VIDEO: Construction Not Stopping Pinellas Trail Users

If you're a regular user of the Pinellas Trail, you've probably encountered orange construction cones, heavy machinery and crews at work during recent outings.

Workers are almost finished with a five-mile-long repaving project on the Pinellas Trail that begins at Michigan Boulevard in Dunedin and ends at Oceanview Avenue in Palm Harbor.

The hassle will most likely be worth it for trail users who've had to run, bicycle and rollerblade around heavy machinery and construction cones since November. When crews complete the project, which is scheduled to end Feb. 28, trail users will have a much better experience.

"Bicyclists will have a smoother ride and a clear trail," said Billy Dover of Lane Construction, a Lakeland Company that was contracted to repave the trail.

Dover said roots from nearby trees had grown underneath the trail, creating an uneven surface, which could be a safety hazard for trail users.

Wednesday afternoon, crews were using a large, noisy milling machine to grind up the top of the old pavement. The machine then vacuumed the pavement chunks into the machine and spit them into a dump truck. A paving crew followed behind the milling machine, laying fresh asphalt.

Joggers, bicyclists and skateboarders did not appear to be bothered by the construction work. They just made their way around the workers (see accompanying video).

• What is your favorite way to enjoy the Pinellas Trail? Tell us in the comments section below.

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