St. Petersburg, Fla., the popular beach destination across the bay from Tampa, has finally come to the realization that wires stretching across the streets to support hanging traffic signals is not a very good idea in this part of the country. In downtown St. Pete, those relics are being replaced by wind-resistant mast arms that can handle winds up to 130 mph.

Forty-six new signal poles are also part of the revamped downtown streetscape. The city is also upgrading sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks and resurfacing the roadways. There will be curb cuts to make motoring in wheelchairs easier.

The crosswalks at the lights will give pedestrians a countdown in seconds, an idea that progressive cities across the country are adopting.

The project area is 3rd and 4th Streets and 4th Avenue North and is a joint effort of the city and the Florida Department of Transportation. FDOT is paying for the $9.5 million upgrade, which should be finished by March 2008.