A new road in western Hillsborough County that will connect the Westchase community of Sheldon Road to Countryway Boulevard is scheduled to open on Friday, January 14. The new extension of Citrus Park Drive is a 2.73-mile section of divided, four-lane urban highway with bike lanes and sidewalks.

Connecting the two existing segments of Citrus Park Drive, the road will meet future traffic demands in the northwest area of ​​Hillsborough County, including neighborhoods in and around Westchase and Citrus Park.

This project will also improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by incorporating the principles of Vision Zero and provide connectivity with other neighborhoods, as well as the Upper Tampa Bay Trail and Deer Park Elementary School. The new roadway will also reduce traffic volumes on Linebaugh Avenue and South Mobley Road.

New traffic lights have been installed at the new intersection on Fawn Ridge Boulevard and at the entrance to Deer Park Elementary School. The entrance to Deer Park Elementary has been redesigned to improve pedestrian access and safety.

The $ 51.7 million project also includes landscaped embankments, drainage improvements, pedestrian safety devices, and water and sewer infrastructure.

Editor’s Note: The above article is a press release from Hillsborough County