RIDGE MANOR — The Florida Department of Transportation is considering a series of improvements on U.S. 301 from south of U.S. 98 to State Road 50 in Pasco and Hernando counties including widening the road from two to four lanes and adding pedestrian, bicycle and transit accommodations.
As part of that process, the agency is collecting public comment and has scheduled a public meeting for June 24 at the Community Center of Ridge Manor, 34240 Cortez Boulevard.
The Department of Transportation is conducting a project development and environmental study which is looking at a variety of changes along the roadway including widening, various intersection improvements, changes to the medians and storm water management improvements.
The study will determine the concept design plans “while minimizing impacts to the environment; (will) consider agency and public comments; and ensure project compliance with all applicable federal and state laws,” according to the DOT public notice. The agency anticipates needing to purchase additional right of way to complete the project along the four-mile stretch.
The public meeting will be conducted both in person and virtually. Maps, drawings and project information will be available at the East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windermere Road, Brooksville, the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City and the Florida Department of Transportation, 11201 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa beginning on Monday.
Information about the project will also be available at the Community Center of Ridge Manor beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday with the formal presentation planned from 6:30. To be included in the public record on the project, all comments must be received by July 6. For more information, visit https://www.fdotd7studies.com/projects/us301-us98-to-sr50/.