Officials seeking study of bypass

If the proposal is approved, $1.2-million would pay for a review of the Zephyrhills Bypass Extension.

By CHASE SQUIRES

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 8, 2000

DADE CITY -- County road officials are encouraging Pasco County commissioners to spend $1.2-million to study a proposed four-lane bypass that would link State Road 54 to the Eiland Boulevard loop around Zephyrhills.

The proposed 4.7-mile road would cross a mostly rural stretch of the county, linking one one of Pasco's two east-west corridors to a rapidly developing area of homes and apartments, and cutting through acres of pasture land.

The road, known as the Zephyrhills Bypass Extension, would run from SR 54's intersection with Curley Road to Eiland Boulevard at Handcart Road, according to a proposal submitted by acting county engineer Bipin Parikh. The proposal is to be reviewed by commissioners Tuesday.

Ultimately, the proposal states, SR 54 would likely have six lanes from the bypass west to Interstate 75, with a four-lane divided road from the bypass to Zephyrhills. The bypass also would also grow ultimately to include four lanes, divided by a median.

At the western end of the proposed bypass, an estimated 16,400 cars pass along SR 54 each day, according to State Department of Transportation records. At the eastern end, what was pastureland and woods 10 years ago has sprouted two golf courses, two subdivisions and a regional YMCA. There are plans to open a 224-unit, $16-million apartment complex by January.

County staff members recommend commissioners hire the Jacksonville firm of Pittman, Hartenstein & Associates for the yearlong study and planning phase. The company would be required to hold at least one public meeting before offering a blueprint for the road that would include right-of-way needs, plans for a bridge over the New River, flood control and a statement on the impact on "community cohesion."

The Zephyrhills Bypass Extension is just one of a series of new four-lane routes proposed for east Pasco, with several already garnering public comment.

Last month, residents around Saint Leo were united against a proposed State Road 52 bypass that would loop south of the small town, and Dade City residents are invited to a Monday discussion from 4 to 6 p.m. at the old county courthouse to review plans to widen Clinton Avenue to four lanes. The proposal would link SR 52 to U.S. 301 with a bypass south of Dade City.

The state Department of Transportation also is planning to widen the U.S. 98 bypass on the eastern edge of Dade City from two lanes to four in the next five years.

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