After years of construction, I-75 may soon finally be rid of the orange cones and barrels in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel in just a few months.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spokesperson John McShaffrey says that Prince Contracting still is finishing up work on the 11.4-mile, $95-million project to widen I-75 to three and four lanes in either direction between E. Fowler Ave. Temple Terrace to just south of S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel, which began in October of 2011, but that the project should be complete by early summer.
He adds that, until recently, the nighttime temperatures had been too cool to meet the paving requirements for the friction course.
“Because of high daytime traffic volume, the contract requires this to be night work when lane closures are allowed,” McShaffrey explains.
He says that since the widening work is now completed on BBD and nighttime temperatures are warming into the acceptable range, Prince has indicated that final pavement adjustments and friction course placement will resume as scheduling is coordinated with its paving subcontractor.
“At this time, I cannot offer exact dates, but look for this work to begin soon and for final pavement and lane alignments to be completed by early summer,” McShaffrey says.
BBD Lanes Open Under I-75
A little further south, you may have noticed some relief from congestion under I-75 along Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa, as all lanes are now open under the interstate between Doña Michelle Dr. (north of I-75) and Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms (photo).
While the lanes are open, McShaffrey says that drivers can expect to still see workers from Prince Contracting working in the area, as the crews are still finishing the final striping and paving.
“(Prince) still has to place the final layer of asphalt (called the “friction course”) and then put down the final markings,” McShaffrey says.
Enjoy the open lanes, but continue to use caution in the area.
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