Planners with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced earlier this year an overpass is likely to be the best way to help resolve the traffic situation at the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 in Land O’ Lakes.
The anticipated cost of the overpass was approximately $222 million when FDOT officials discussed plans for it in February. However, the cost has reportedly since increased to approximately $260 million.
The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) agrees with FDOT that the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 is one of the busiest in Pasco County. The MPO is the lead transportation-planning agency in Pasco County, serving the municipalities of Zephyrhills, San Antonio, St. Leo, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Dade City.
Approximately 124,000 vehicles travel through the intersection daily and that number is anticipated to increase to 176,000 by 2045, FDOT said.
The intersection also has been identified by FDOT as one that has a crash average higher than the state average. A total of 442 crashes were reported there from 2012 to 2016, in which 90% of the crashes involved property damage, while the remaining 10% involved injuries. A single fatal crash was reported during the five-year analysis period, according to FDOT.
The intersection reconstruction is among the biggest projects on the work plan for Pasco County, according to Tania Gorman, MPO’s executive director.
FDOT is reportedly in the process of conducting a Project Development & Environment Study for the construction of the proposed overpass. Its current schedule calls for property to begin to be acquired in 2028 for the improvements to the intersection, according to Gorman.
The design of the proposed overpass is still being reviewed by FDOT but it could reportedly be similar to overpasses that have been constructed in other locations, such as the one at Roosevelt Boulevard and U.S. 19 in Pinellas County. That type of overpass would be for through-traffic with turns made at the ground level.
It’s anticipated FDOT will hold a public hearing regarding this proposed intersection improvement project during the fourth quarter of 2024. The design phase will be conducted between 2025-2027 and right of way acquisition will likely occur between 2028-2030.
Funding has not yet been obtained for the proposed intersection improvement project, according to FDOT.
Published July 31, 2024
