By Kyle LoJacono
The project to improve SR 52 between the Suncoast Parkway and US 41 in Land O’ Lakes is less than a month from completion.
The $1.6 million Florida Department of Transportation project, being performed by Lane Construction, is making several improvements to the 3.3 miles of roadways, according to department spokeswoman Kris Carson.
The bulk of the project is to resurface the stretch of highway, which sees about 19,300 vehicles drive through each day, according to Carson. It is also repairing damage to the five-foot wide paved shoulder area.
There are also additional improvements being made to SR 52’s intersections with US 41, Quail Ridge Drive and Kent Grove Drive.
The project is lengthening the left and right turn lanes heading south on US 41 at SR 52. It is also extending the westbound right turn lane on SR 52 at US 41.
The job is also adding two new pedestrian countdown crossing signal. One is on the south side of SR 52 to let people cross US 41, plus another on the west side of US 41 to allow passage across SR 52.
The westbound right turn lane of SR 52 is being lengthened to let more vehicles turn onto Quail Ridge. This will reduce backups, as more cars will be able to enter the turn lane instead of stopping on SR 52 until space clears.
The eastbound left turn lane of SR 52 is being extended at Kent Grove Drive to accomplish a similar goal as with the Quail Ridge intersection.
The last part of the job is to add a guardrail in front of the Quail Ridge subdivision on SR 52 just east of the Suncoast.
Potential lane closures between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. are still possible until the project’s completion.
US 41 widening on schedule
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project to make US 41 a four-lane highway to Connerton Road is on track for completion by the summer, according to department spokeswoman Kris Carson.
The $15 million project will make the three-mile stretch a four-lane divided road from Tower Road to Connerton. About 28,500 vehicles drive between Tower and Ehren Cutoff, which is just north of Connerton, according to Carson.
The project is paid for by federal stimulus money and being performed by R.E. Purcell Construction of Largo.
“Crews continue to build the new southbound lanes including installing the roadway base and lime rock on US 41 between Gator Lane and Connerton Boulevard,” Carson said. “Paving is expected to begin in April between Gator Lane and Roaches Run Boulevard. … Drainage pipes are currently being installed between Roaches Run and Connerton.”
Carson added some of the larger pieces of the project are already in the rearview mirror, including the opening of a southbound lane near Gator Lane to Tower, allowing two lanes of traffic to travel threw the construction site.
The work on the intersection of Gator Lane/Wilderness Lake Boulevard and US 41, which includes adjustments to the traffic signals, is also finished. Carson said there was an emphasis to finish work in that area quickly as Gator Lane is the main entrance to Land O’ Lakes High and the main buildings for the Pasco County School District.
For more information on the US 41 project or any other FDOT job, see www.dot.state.fl.us.
