According to the Florida department of transportation, the Land o Lakes junction is one of the priority highway projects they intend to take on in the course of the next few years. The junction of the State Road 54 and the U.S. 41 splits Land o Lakes and serves as the main route for high volume trucks as well as residential traffic. Traffic improvements are a priority for the ever-busy junction of the State Road 54 and the U.S 41. This junction is west of the massive retail shops on the State roads 54 and 56. The ongoing construction for the Tampa Premium outlets, set to open before year’s end, will create more congestion and if the issue is not addressed future congestion as well. The approved plan to build 17,000 new homes along the State Road 54 is another reason why This extension is vital. The DOT and Pasco County Metropolitan Planning organization recently concluded the need for an emergency evacuation route for residents in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. This proposal was added to the MPO’s 2035 Long-range Transport plan.
According to a DOT public officer, the State has settled on 2 alternatives, both of them consisting of elevation the State Road 54 over the U.S. 41 to create a flyover. These 2 options however shall result to businesses being closed and demolished to create the needed Land space.
Option #1: The first option will need approximately 71 acres of real estate and an estimated cost of $160 Million to construct. It shall conclude of the State Road 54 flying over the U.S 41. The fly over shall consist of two new junctions with traffic signals to control traffic on and turning onto U.S 41.This alternative, if agreed upon, shall lead to the displacement of 22 businesses, a mobile home, a single family home, Number 23 Pasco County Fire Station, and the parking lot of Tibbett’s Lumber on the State Road 54.
The locations and business set to be demolished under option #1 include:
- Village Lake Shopping Center
– KFC
- State Road 54
– Keystone Community Church
– SunTrust Bank
– Mighty Mattress Discount Mattress shop
– MCOR Automotive
- Land O Lakes Boulevard
– Gann & Gann Realty
– Accurate Signs on Time
– Cheers Barber Shop
– 7-Eleven
– CVS Pharmacy
– McDonald’s
– B & B Cash Grocery Stores
– Russell Adams Realty
– Rock Harley Saloon
– Meineke Car Care Center
– Hot Shot Bail Bonds
- Mariner Place
– Pinch-A-Penny Pool & Spa
– Hungry Howies Pizza & Sub
– Kumon Learning Center
Option #2: The second option will require approximately 28 acres of real estate and an estimated budget of $180 Million to construct. It shall entail an elevated State Road 54 over U.S 41 but maintain the existing junction at 41 and 54. If agreed upon, this option shall disrupt 6 businesses. These businesses are within the vicinity of the Village Lake Shopping Center, Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, and SunTrust Bank. They include Pizza Villa Restaurant, Bank of America, KFC, and Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano. A study is currently underway but no construction funds are yet available. The studies are due for completion in January.
If you are interested in information on homes for sale in Pasco County, or any real estate in the Tampa Bay area, please contact Rose & Joe LoCicero at (813) 435-5411 or start your home search now.