Project Location
An estimated 487,800 people reside and 280,700 jobs are located within one-half (1/2) mile of the Pinellas Trail Loop (more than half of Pinellas County’s residents). The two segments included in this grant application will provide regional benefits as well.The Loop will provide a connection to the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, a non-motorized bicycle and pedestrian facility that crosses Tampa Bay, connecting to the Tampa and Hillsborough County trail networks. In the coming months, Pinellas County will begin construction of the Tri-County Trail which will provide regional connectivity to the southern boundary of Pasco County where it meets the northern boundary of Pinellas County.In addition, the Pinellas Trail Loop will connect to the Florida Coast to Coast Connector Trail, an uninterrupted trail facility that will traverse the entire width of the State of Florida. Figure 1 shows the Florida Regional Priority Trail Connectors, including the Pinellas Trail Loop. With an average of 244 days of sunny weather each year, this multi-modal transportation facility will be used year-round, providing maximum benefit to the community and improving the quality of life for people throughout the County and the region.
Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will provide a solution to the high demand for safe connections to economic advancement opportunities, providing the opportunity for healthier lifestyles while reducing roadway congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will represent the realization of a bold vision of a 75 mile multimodal transportation facility that will safely accommodate alternative travel modes and enhance access to and from employment, retail services, and residential areas.This project is not only prudent, it is a much-needed regional transportation asset.