TOP STORIES OF 2017: Bruce B. Downs, Kinnan-Mansfield Fired Up Debates

Things heated up on local roads in 2017, primarily the tempers of drivers who are finding the stretch of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. that slices through New Tampa more maddening than ever.

While Segment A of the widening of the road is all but wrapped up, Segment D — from Pebble Creek Blvd. to County Line Rd. — continues to plague New Tampa travelers. Next year, our year-in-review might just be about the great success of the project, as it is expected to conclude in late 2018. That may be, however, of little solace to those getting stuck in traffic now in front of Wharton High, a hot spot of the current BBD construction.

We don’t want to give you any spoilers, but for our Best Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel” issue coming out next month, we a
sked for your opinion on the worst intersection in New Tampa, and 11 of the BBD intersections made our readers’  list. Yes, 11.

However, none have provided as much angst as the intersection of BBD and Cross Creek Blvd., which in 2017 rose to new heights for snarling traffic. A recent study by the city led to new light patterns at the troublesome intersection in early December, but those results remain inconclusive.

BBD had some company, though, when it came to controversial road debates in 2017.

Kinnan-Mansfield

This photo taken by a drone shows the 60-foot gap between Kinnan St. (on the bottom) and Mansfield Blvd. Hillsborough and Pasco counties are stalemated on the issue but continue to discuss connecting the two roads.

The potential connection of Hillsborough County’s Kinnan St. to Pasco County’s Mansfield Blvd. also inched closer to a fever pitch after a series of discussions between residents and Hillsborough and Pasco County representatives.

Pasco County commissioned a study of the connection (along with two other possible connections) in April, a public meeting was held in May at Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC)’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch to solicit responses, and the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners pledged $250,000 in September to help make the connection happen.

Will it? Not witho

ut a big fight. And, that battle will begin in earnest this year.

Morris Bridge Rd.

Flooding on Morris Bridge Rd. had some residents questioning that road’s future, which might even one day involve a widening north of Cross Creek Blvd.

I-75 At S.R. 56

Of special interest to many commuters who prefer to avoid driving south on BBD to get to the interstate, the Divergin

g Diamond Interchange (DDI) for I-75 at S.R. 56 is closer after receiving some good news in 2017.

 

A Florida Department of Transportation project that is expected to ease the flow of traffic at the S.R. 56 and I-75 intersection near Tampa Premium Outlets, was originally scheduled for a 2024 start in construction. Now, however, it looks like shovels will hit the dirt in 2018.

Be patient, people. It’s all going to get better.

*crosses fingers*

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