PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A 55-year-old construction worker died from his injuries after he was hit by an SUV Thursday night, according to a news release.
Florida Highway Patrol said the construction worker was flagging traffic for the Gateway Expressway construction projection when a 2017 Dodge Journey going westbound on 118th Street North toward 43rd Street North collided with him.
Authorities said the SUV was driven by a 77-year-old man from Seminole. After the crash, the construction worker was taken to a nearby hospital but later died.
The Florida Department of Transportation released a statement:
Our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased construction worker on the Gateway project in Pinellas County. As safety is our top priority, FDOT is actively cooperating with Law Enforcement efforts and will review the details of the investigation upon its conclusion.
Back in September 2022, the Gateway Expressway project was halted after Pinellas County Deputy Michael Harwick was killed in a hit-and-run crash by a construction driver on a large front loader.
Hartwick was killed while providing assistance and safety to the construction crew along I-275 near Exit 30, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said. Authorities said it wasn't long after he reported to the site when he was killed.
The Gateway Expressway project plans to add two new two-lane elevated tolled roadways that will provide access between U.S. 19 and I-275, and the Bayside Bridge and I-275.
.