Major FDOT road project begins and others are planned for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel

I-75 widening project begins: A $95 million project to widen I-75 to six/eight lanes from Fowler Avenue to State Road 56 began yesterday. The project will add one lane in each direction, as well as auxiliary lanes near interchanges to enhance safety and reduce congestion along this major north-south highway. When finished, I-75 will be at least three lanes in each direction throughout Hillsborough County and up to north of State Road 54 in Pasco County. Work is expected to be completed by spring 2016. FDOT Five Year Tentative Work Program: The following local information was presented Thursday in the FDOT, District Seven, Five-Year Tentative Work Program Public Hearing for Fiscal Years July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2017.  Note:  Planned projects for Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, & Hillsborough were covered.  The projects listed below are the only ones located in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel: Wesley Chapel: Widening of SR 54 from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road-- Right of Way advanced from 2015 to 2014  Construction added for Fiscal Year 2016. New Tampa: Bruce B. Downs widening from Bearss to Palm Springs Blvd.  Construction--Fiscal Year 2015 Bruce B. Downs widening from Pebble Creek to County Line Road --Right of Way added for 2014 and Construction for FY 2017 Cross Creek Blvd. widening from Cory Lake Dr. to Morris Bridge Rd.--Construction FY 2013 The public hearing/webinar was the first step in the process.  Next will be the executive review, followed by a state wide hearing before it is adopted on July 1, 2012. Public comment/input is encouraged and can be made via mail to:  Donald Skelton, District 7 Secretary, FDOT, 11201 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa, FL 33612 or e-mail:  Donald.Skelton@dot.state.fl.us before October 24, 2011.