Wellington wraps up roadwork

Wellington has wrapped up most of its road construction projects before the start of the equestrian season, but a few are hanging out there.

The most visible project — a widening of the culvert on Forest Hill Boulevard — is now finished. The project was designed to fix flooding problems that became apparent during Tropical Storm Isaac.

Lanes in both directions were also raised above typical flood elevations.

But at least one other longawaited project never got off the ground.

Wellington has been waiting years for equestrian developer Mark Bellissimo to improve the intersection of Pierson Road and South Shore Boulevard, but it’s not happening in 2016.

He told the Palm Beach Post earlier this year that he was optimistic the project would be completed, but the preserve will have to go another season without that extra traffic relief.

Bellissimo was supposed to finish the work along with the paving of 40th Street this year. He began work on the design of the project, but don’t expect heavy machinery to show up until at least the summer of 2017.

Wellington is coming close to finishing a realignment of Pierson Road, and it’s expected to be completed on Jan. 9.

The village has been able to complete a number of other projects including:

■A once-controversial paving of the Saddle Trail South neighborhood. The project was designed to eliminate dust problems on the road, but some residents were unhappy because equestrians prefer to ride on the road. Crossing over pavement is tough for horses. The work was paid for by a special tax levied on the residents.

■ A large sidewalk that runs through the loop of the Aero Club neighborhood. The path is wide enough for pedestrian and bicycles.

■ The paving of 120th Street. Wellington completed the work that was also designed to eliminate dust problems for neighbors.