By Matt Wiley
If you travel through Wesley Chapel along Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., you’re probably familiar with the 3.5-mile stretch between S.R. 56 and S.R. 54. However, the north end of BBD at 54 could be changing, as development continues inside the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI).
Currently, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is awaiting the results of a study to determine the most favorable alignment of a “loop road” that would add a new intersection about a mile to the east of BBD/54, just west of Saddlebrook Resort & Spa (see map).
According to the development order for Wiregrass Ranch, the plan calls for adding a “S.R. 581 (BBD) Bypass Loop Road,” as it is referred to, which would begin a little more than a mile south of BBD/54, “loop” to the east, intersect with an extension of the existing Wiregrass Ranch Blvd., and then loop north to meet S.R. 54. The new loop road would allow the new development in Wiregrass Ranch (north of the existing Estancia subdivision) to access the new intersection just west of the entrance to Saddlebrook Resort & Spa. However, it is important to note that the current intersection at BBD/S.R. 54 also will remain intact.
On June 22, the BOCC approved a study extension for Lutz-based Johnson Engineering, Inc., which currently is working to put together a Route & Pond Study for the planned intersection alignment. The study, which began in January, will estimate the cost of obtaining the necessary right of way to construct the road and required retention ponds for the route and determine the best alignment. But, to make sure that the study is as conclusive and specific as possible, Johnson is bringing in a professional land cost sub-consultant (Omaha, NB-based HDR, Inc.) to more accurately determine the cost of acquiring the land and building the road. The study also will be extended by 90 calendar days.
The Route & Pond Study also will more accurately estimate the damages to businesses along S.R. 54 that will be affected by the new intersection. HDR will be looking at 15 pieces of property, including Saddlebrook and all of the businesses along the north side of S.R. 54 to the west of the Saddlebrook entrance.
“The S.R. 581 (BBD) Bypass Loop Route Study is still in development and staff is working with all affected property owners, as well as FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) as the analysis continues,” says Pasco County program administrator for Engineering Services Deborah Bolduc. “Looking ahead and based on the project schedule, there will be a public meeting in January 2016 for public comment and a presentation to the (BOCC) would occur by mid-February.”
J.D. Porter, whose family owns the Wiregrass Ranch DRI, could not be reached for comment at our press time.
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