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Walkways On U.S. 92 Geared To Make Road Safer

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By LAURA FRAZIER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 6, 2008

SEFFNER - Drivers have been doing double-takes along a 12.5-mile stretch of U.S. 92, wondering whether they've witnessed the Sunshine State's version of Alaska's "bridge to nowhere." The boardwalks are part of a multimillion-dollar Florida Department of Transportation project alongside U.S. 92 between Eureka Springs and Thonotosassa roads. Transportation officials say plenty of pedestrians are expected to use the foot paths when all is said and done.

What's going on?

State contractors are pouring sidewalks and building boardwalks over drainage ditches where concrete won't cut it. They'll also mill and resurface the road, construct 4-foot paved shoulders, regrade ditches and upgrade traffic signals. Crews also will add a right-turn lane from westbound U.S. 92 to northbound County Road 579 (Mango Road), a left-turn lane from southbound C.R. 579 to eastbound U.S. 92 and a through-lane on eastbound U.S. 92 crossing C.R. 579.

Why is the work being done?

The state has no plans to widen U.S. 92 through 2020, but recent crash, traffic and demographics studies showed something had to be done stat to make the road safer for motorists and pedestrians.

How much will it cost?

The price for the whole improvement project is $28.2 million. The tab for just the boardwalks and sidewalks is about $4 million.

Who's going to use all those walkways?

FDOT spokeswoman Kris Carson said many people walk to work along that stretch of U.S. 92, and a considerable number of children trek to Bryan Elementary, Armwood High, Tomlin Middle, Burnett Middle and Seffner Christian schools along that route. An elementary and high school campus set to open in 2009 off McIntosh Road is expected to bring more feet to the side of the street.

When will it be finished?

Construction kicked off in the spring and is set to wrap in late 2010. Road crews will work day and night, with lane closures from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

How can I get more information?

Call the FDOT office at (813) 975-6060, go to www.dot.state.fl.us or e-mail kristen.carson@dot.state.fl.us.

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523.

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