Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley informed his colleagues during a recent board meeting that the county and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are responding to a traffic situation on U.S. 301 that has become dangerous.
During the county board’s Feb. 6 meeting, Oakley said he met with residents at Tropical Acres Estates, which is off U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills.
“There was a full room,” Oakley said. “They were very concerned about their exit and entrance onto (U.S.) 301, between (State Road) 39 and (State Road) 56.”
There has been a traffic fatality and have been other accidents, too, the county board chairman said.
“I originally thought that we had already started the construction of a four-lane, from (State Road) 39, back down to (State Road) 56, only to find out that hasn’t even started and all of these issues are created right here at this entrance to Tropical Acres Estates,” he said.
He reached out to FDOT officials to see if there might be a traffic light installed.
“I got information that it could be up to a year before a light comes, and it’s going to be right at their entrance. But in the meantime, they’ve got this issue going on. And, I’m sure the people across the way probably have a similar issue,” Oakley said.
But the issue is different across the way because people leaving there are turning right to head to Zephyrhills, he said.
So, until a more permanent solution is available, Oakley recommended a temporary fix.
“I suggested that possibly we can make a right-turn only out of Tropical Acres Estates and put some flashing (warning) lights up, first,” Oakley said.
The county board chairman expected those actions to be taken quickly.
“It’s all based on safety,” Oakley said.
Published February 14, 2024
