The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public comment on a proposal to amend the county’s 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan to include the widening of the Suncoast Parkway, from the Hillsborough County line to State Road 52.
The amendment calls for widening the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County from four lanes to eight lanes from the Hillsborough County line to State Road 54; and, from four lanes to six lanes, from State Road 54 to State Road 52.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) are seeking the change to the long-range transportation plan (LRTP).
The Mobility 2045 LRTP includes recommended highway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian and freight facility improvements that are planned over a 25-year time horizon, according to a posting on the Pasco MPO’s web page, on the Pasco County website.
The plan identifies strategies and improvements aimed at alleviating congestion, improving safety, and promoting increased system efficiency, the posting says.
In addition to physical improvements, strategies include systems management techniques and coordination with land use planning and development activity.
In drafting the adopted Mobility 2045 LRTP, considerations included different modes of transportation to accommodate the movement of people and goods throughout Pasco County and the region, the posting adds.
The notice, posted by the Pasco MPO, alerts the public of an opportunity to provide input on the proposed amendment to plans for the Suncoast Parkway.
The public is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to comment, in accordance with the MPO’s Public Participation Plan and in compliance with federal law and Florida statutes, the posting adds.
The comment period began on July 17 and continues through Aug. 16.
Comments received during the comment period will be recorded by MPO staff and provided to the appropriate parties for review.
The Pasco County MPO is responsible for countywide transportation planning. Its board members are made up of elected leaders from Pasco County, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey.
The Pasco MPO board will consider the requested amendment to the Mobility 2045 LRTP at their regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m., in the Pasco County Commission’s boardroom, on the first floor of the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.
The proposed amendment to the Mobility 2045 LRTP is available for public review and comment in the Metropolitan Planning Organization section of the Pasco County Public Notices web page and at the MPO Office at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey. Persons wishing to obtain additional information, or a copy of the proposed Mobility 2045 LRTP amendment, may call the MPO at 727-847-8140, ext. 8804.
NOTE: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise is conducting a Project Development and Environment Study to evaluate alternatives for widening Suncoast Parkway/State Road 589 from south of Van Dyke Road to north of State Road 52, approximately 16 miles. The study also is evaluating a potential new interchange north of State Road 54 and improvements to existing interchanges. The study began in the spring and is is anticipated to be completed in summer 2025.
Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise will hold a public information meeting and public hearing for the project, but that has not yet been scheduled. Until the meetings are held, anyone interested in obtaining more
information or commenting on the project can contact the project manager, Anil Sharma, P.E., via email at or via phone at 407-264-3041.
Published August 02, 2023
