News Summary
Hillsborough County hosted an open house gathering community feedback on improvements to Lithia Pinecrest Road. The event highlighted a projected $310 million investment aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety for all roadway users. Key proposals include adding lanes, improving signal timing, and enhancing pedestrian facilities. Community input will play a vital role in shaping the project, set to be completed by late 2025.
Hillsborough County Holds Open House on Lithia Pinecrest Road Project
Hillsborough County hosted an open house on May 13 at Bloomingdale High School to gather community feedback on proposed improvements to Lithia Pinecrest Road. The event drew residents who had the opportunity to view project plans and interact directly with project staff about the enhancements planned for the road.
The Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study specifically focuses on a 7.5-mile stretch of Lithia Pinecrest Road, extending from FishHawk Boulevard to Lumsden Road, and includes Bloomingdale Avenue from Culbreath Road to Pearson Road. The estimated cost for the proposed improvements is approximately $310 million, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Residents were encouraged to provide their input regarding the project through a virtual engagement portal available from May 7 to May 21, alongside the in-person open house. Kim Byer, assistant county administrator for Public Works, underscored the significance of community feedback in shaping the project to meet local needs.
Proposed Enhancements
The project will include multiple upgrades designed to improve the overall traffic flow and safety on Lithia Pinecrest Road. Key proposals involve:
- Adding through lanes and dedicated turn lanes
- Enhancing traffic signal timing
- Introducing continuous sidewalks and buffered bike lanes
- Creating safer crosswalks and shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists
- Implementing traffic calming measures, which may involve reduced lane widths, landscaped medians, and new roundabouts
Improvements will concentrate on 17 intersections along Lithia Pinecrest Road and Bloomingdale Avenue. Possible alternatives for intersection upgrades include the installation of roundabouts, traffic signals, or median openings. Specifically, roundabouts are proposed for the intersections at FishHawk Boulevard, Lithia Springs Road, New River Hills Parkway, and Guiles Road.
Project Timeline and Funding
The PD&E study is projected to be completed by late 2025. Funding for the initial planning and design phases has been allocated at $3.5 million, though additional funding for the design, land acquisition, and construction of the project remains unfunded. Future funding sources will include Community Investment Tax money anticipated to start in fiscal year 2027 and mobility fee funds projected for 2026.
In terms of execution, the project will take place in three phases. The first phase will focus on converting the four-way stop at Bloomingdale Avenue and Pearson Road into a signalized intersection. Subsequently, the timeline for the final designs, land purchases, and overall construction is contingent on the availability of funding.
Community Concerns
As the Hillsborough County community continues to engage with the Lithia Pinecrest Road Project, local officials reiterate the importance of ensuring that the enhancements reflect the desires and requirements of the residents who directly interact with this vital corridor.
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Additional Resources
- Osprey Observer: Hillsborough County Community Input
- Wikipedia: Hillsborough County, Florida
- Fox 13 News: Traffic Solutions for Fish Hawk Community
- Google Search: Hillsborough County Traffic Improvements
- WTSP: Improving Lithia Road
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Hoodline: Public Forum on Corridor Improvements
- Google News: Lithia Pinecrest Road Project
