Now, it’s no longer dust in the wind.
The City of Zephyrhills and its Public Works Department have completed the work to pave the very last dirt road maintained by the city within its limits.
Jennifer Lane was a dusty road about the length of a city block located just west of Oakside Cemetery.
Now, it’s completely paved.
The city wrapped up the $163,000 project on May 13.
“Being the only unimproved (and dirt) road in Zephyrhills, it was a thorn in my side for a long time,” said Shane LeBlanc, the city’s public works director.
“We had a resident of Jennifer Lane always calling to tell us how dusty it was — that there was so much dust. So, this was a short project, and now that it’s done, one that is very welcome.
“There are no more dirt roads in the City of Zephyrhills, and I’m very proud of that,” LeBlanc said.
Zephyrhills now has more than 70 miles of paved lane roads.
There are some dirt roads remaining in Zephyrhills, but those are maintained by Pasco County, not the city of Zephyrhills.
LeBlanc says he constantly fields calls about dirt roads, but is unable to respond because those are a county issue.
“Now, when I get a call about a dirt road, I know it’s not a city issue because they are all paved,” LeBlanc said, with a laugh.
The final walkthrough inspection occurred the morning of May 13, and the project was completed well within the 120-day contract.
LeBlanc said the weather cooperated, enabling the pavement project to be done in less than 30 days.
“This was knocked out real quick, with no big disruption to the residents or the city,” the public works director said. “There was a little inconvenience, but, again, they are now overly pleased because there is no more dust!”
Published May 18, 2022
