Construction of the diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56 now has an estimated cost of $40 million.
That’s $16 million more than the original estimated cost of $24 million.
Despite the higher cost, construction is still expected to begin this summer.
The retrofitted interchange is expected to take two years to three years to complete, said Bill Jones, who is the director of transportation development for District 7 of the Florida Department of Transportation.
The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization approved the increased cost at its Feb. 22 meeting in New Port Richey.
The good news for Pasco County is the additional $16 million is not expected to affect any other road projects within the county.
The state transportation department plans to take the money from a reserve fund, said Craig Casper, the county’s MPO director.
At one time, the project had a 2024 start date, but the state transportation department moved it ahead nearly six years.
“We’re excited about the project getting started,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.
The interchange is expected to ease the rush-hour gridlock as vehicles maneuver on and off I-75, at one of the busiest junctures along State Road 56.
Tampa Premium Outlets, the Cypress Creek Town Center, Florida Hospital Center Ice, and the future residential community of Brightwork Crossings are boosting retail and residential development in the area.
The diverging diamond interchange provides multiple lanes of traffic operating in a crisscross pattern, with limited traffic signals.
Casper said the projected construction costs increased when it was discovered that additional ground stabilization would be required.
The design will include retaining walls, traffic railings, a shoulder barrier wall, and a permanent sheet-pile wall, according to the state transportation department’s request for the cost upgrade.
The bridge that crosses I-75 will be redesigned with additional lanes on the ramps. Road signs and lane markers will help guide motorists through the diverging diamond interchange, with speed limits dropping to 35 mph on the approach to the interchange.
Published March 14, 2018
