Nightly lane closures are now underway for a project aimed to improve traffic flow at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.
The lane closures began on June 16 and will last until June 21. They are being done from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., to minimize disruption.
Construction has been underway since April, to help ease congestion at an intersection used by about nearly 100,000 motorists daily.
The improvement aims to improve flow for motorists who are heading east on State Road 54, but who are not able to turn right or left onto U.S. 41 because the turn lanes are blocked by through traffic.
The development is extending the turning lane to enable them to accommodate more vehicles, thus reducing the wait times.
The lengthening of the left-turn lane has already begun with the installation of a lime rock base. It will be followed by new drainage features and finally new asphalt.
Construction work occurs at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., to avoid interfering with peak traffic hours.
However, some night lane closures, such as the current one, will be necessary at different times during the project.
The project also will alter the median opening where State Road 54 intersects with Hunt Road.
The modified median will have a separator in place, allowing eastbound traffic to turn left onto Hunt Road or make a U-turn. It will also grant motorists the option of turning left onto State Road 54 from Hunt Road.
The separator will no longer permit westbound traffic on State Road 54 to make U-turns.
The development is a part of Pasco County’s Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the Vision 54/56 program – set to make long-term improvements along the corridor of State Road 54 and State Road 56.
It is estimated at $1.1 million in costs and is expected to be completed by fall of this year.
For further updates on closures, visit tinyurl.com/y2hvm7vr.
Published June 19, 2019
