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Northcliffe upgrade will crank up this month

Both drivers and walkers are expected to benefit from the project. Work will take about a year.

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 8, 2005

SPRING HILL -- Construction on Northcliffe Boulevard is expected to begin later this month. When the work is completed next year, motorists will have five lanes and pedestrians five-foot sidewalks.

The $2.6-million widening project will be begin at Azora Road and continue 0.6 of a mile east to Mariner Boulevard, said Chris Wert, Hernando County engineering manager for the project.

Northcliffe Boulevard from Azora Road east to Mariner will be resurfaced and widened from two lanes to five lanes, including a center dual turn lane.

Dual left turn lanes are also planned for the Mariner/Northcliffe intersection. Utility lanes will be upgraded as part of the construction project. When completed, the improvements will join the western section of Northcliffe, which is four lanes west to U.S 19.

"It's a lot of work," said Wert.

Southwest Contracting of Odessa is expected to take about a year to complete the construction, Wert said.

The project will not only benefit motorists. Pedestrians will love the road when the construction is complete, Wert said.

"It will have 5-foot sidewalks on both sides," he said. "Anyone who lives in the developments in the area can have an easier time getting to shopping."

That commercial section of Northcliffe Boulevard is home to several supermarkets, medical offices and other businesses.

In anticipation of the start of construction, the Public Works Department will hold an informational meeting from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Northcliffe Baptist Church, 10515 Northcliffe Blvd.

Wert said officials will be on hand to answer questions about the construction schedule, traffic, sidewalks, sprinklers and other concerns that arise during any major road improvement project.

For additional information, call the county engineer's office at 754-4062.

[Last modified September 8, 2005, 01:49:23]