Several people say the stretch of West Colonial Drive between North Tampa Avenue and Pine Hills Road has been under construction forever in their eyes.

FDOT officials say they’re about 76% finished, with goals that include repaving the roadway and adding more safety crossings.

If you’ve driven down West Colonial lately, you’ve probably seen it — people darting across traffic, sometimes without crosswalks. It’s one of the reasons FDOT kicked off this $16.8 million project last spring. Crews are working to improve sidewalks and add what’s called a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon.

“With the speed limit, which is a little higher — 40 - 45 mph — they provide a safer crosswalk for pedestrians,” said Britney Jones, District 5 Communication Manager for FDOT.

Jones says safety is the top concern, espe

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