Last year, FDOT District Seven began a Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study of US 41 (SR 45) in south Hillsborough County. The study focuses on a segment beginning at Kracker Avenue and extending to just south of SR 676 (Causeway Boulevard) – a distance of approximately 7.8 miles. US 41 is one of three heavily traveled north-south roadways in southern part of the county, running parallel to both I-75 and US 301. With the goal of improving mobility and enhancing safety, several alternatives will be developed, including:
[list type=”bullet”][li]Options for widening the road from four to six lanes[/li] [li]Sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus stop foundations[/li] [li]Improvements to the bridges over the Alafia River and Bullfrog Creek[/li] [/list]
The study will examine potential effects on the built and natural environment. FDOT will be working closely with the US Coast Guard if the bridges require replacement. The proposed project is not presently included in the MPO’s 2035 Plan as an affordable project. However, the need to widen US 41 to six lanes is in the Plan. The PD&E study is expected to be wrapped up by early 2015. For more information, email Rick Adair or call 813/975-6446.