St. Petersburg Times: Public gets look at plans to widen I-75 in Pasco, Hernando counties

Although at least five years away, the Florida Department of Transportation is busy evaluating what it will take to bring the proposed widening of Interstate 75 in Hernando and Pasco counties to fruition.

The agency revealed its plans at a public hearing Thursday evening at the Ridge Manor Community Center in an effort to see what residents think.

The estimated $172.2 million construction project, which has yet to win the necessary funding, would widen the existing four-lane highway to eight lanes from State Road 52 in Pasco County to County Road 476 near Bushnell in Sumter County. Additionally, the interchange at State Road 50 in Hernando County would be reconstructed.

According to Amy Neideringhaus, project manager with the DOT's District 7, construction of the roadway is not included in the district's current five-year funding projections. However, $13.8 million has been budgeted for right-of-way acquisition.

For the full article, visit the St. Petersburg Times.