Thousands of motorists who normally travel along U.S. 41 through Lutz can expect longer drive times, as the highway is closed until March 27 for a railroad crossing project.
CSX will be replacing the rails and the railroad crossing north of Crenshaw Lake Road.
Since U.S. 41 will be closed, thousands of motorists who travel through Lutz will be forced to detour.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)
For motorists heading south, primarily from Pasco County, the detour route will be to travel North Dale Mabry Highway south to Bearss Avenue, then head east to U.S. 41.
For those heading north, the detour would be to take Bearss Avenue west to North Dale Mabry Highway and then continue north.
While motorists will not be able to cross the tracks during the closure, there will be access to local businesses, including Lutz Preparatory School.
Access to Lakeside Drive also will be maintained, from the north side of the tracks.
Electronic message boards and detour signs are being used to assist motorists traveling through the detour.
Officials said traffic will be congested on various roads throughout the area, adding most of the routes will experience heavier than normal congestion.
The Florida Department of Transportation worked with CSX to choose the March 14 to March 27 timeframe, so most of the work could be scheduled during the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ spring break, officials said.
Published March 16, 2016
(Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)
