If you've been to Clearwater Beach lately, you've noticed some major changes taking place along the beachfront between Pier 60 and the south jetty on Clearwater Pass. All the construction may make parking a little difficult, but the end is in sight and it is all for a reason.

Clearwater Beach came to the realization that its beach-front hotels and shops were aging and outdated, and that traffic issues needed to be addressed. Their answer to those problems can be seen taking shape along Gulfview and Coronado Drive with the construction of Beach Walk, which is part of the larger Clearwater Beach revitalization plan called “Beach by Design.”

While the construction of private condominiums is booming along the Pinellas County beaches, Clearwater Beach wants to make sure that there are still plenty of overnight accommodations for the many visitors that return here year after year to enjoy the beach and its attractions. As part of the revitalization efforts, a number of private hotels are establishing a strong presence along the newly remodeled and redesigned beachfront. This includes the Hyatt Aqualea Resort & Residences, The Sandpearl, and the Gulfview Beach Resort, among others.

According to myclearwater.com, the beautification and redevelopment of Clearwater Beach includes “...a winding beachside promenade with lush landscaping, artistic touches and clear views to Clearwater's award-winning beach and the water beyond, a place where bicyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians all have safe and convenient access and where visitors and locals can socialize, dine, play games, or simply enjoy the spectacular sun and surf.”

Essentially, Clearwater Beach is trying to seamlessly integrate the beach with the hotels and businesses along the beachfront. By rerouting the heaviest traffic to the east and relocating much of the beach parking onto several of the hotel properties, traffic should impact the beach experience to a lesser degree when the project is completed. Beautiful landscaping and architectural elements are planned to create a more attractive beachfront.

The Beach Walk project is scheduled for completion in 2009. There may be a little construction dust between now and then, but all indications are that it will be worth the wait.

For more information and to view maps and drawings, visit myclearwater.com.

See live webcam views of Beach Walk.