LECANTO, Fla. — A faster commute with no traffic signals: What's not to like? An extension to the Suncoast Parkway brings that driving experience to Citrus County, and it's open today.
Billed as the biggest expansion project in years for area drivers, the Suncoast Parkway 2 toll road is a new 13-mile stretch along the existing Suncoast Parkway that serves Hernando and Pasco counties and points southward. Driving this new distance from U.S. Highway 98 to State Road 44 costs drivers $1.87.
The entire route — State Road 589 — now stretches from Tampa to State Road 44 in Lecanto.
"The Suncoast Parkway serves millions of drivers every year – offering a safe, efficient, and convenient travel option for residents and visitors," Florida Department of Transportation assistant secretary Will Watts, P.E., said in a statement "This extension provides additional transportation infrastructure to support Florida's continued growth and reflects the department's unwavering commitment to the people of West Central Florida."
The $135-million project includes 15 new bridges, five wildlife crossings and the extension of the Suncoast Trail from Hernando County into Citrus County, which ends at State Road 44. The trail completion is expected this spring, FDOT said.
Funding is based on turnpike toll and concessions revenue, the state added.
Whether the extension is a good thing depends on who you ask.
If anyone would have a problem with the new Suncoast Parkway extension, you would think it would be Michael Nessmith. The road practically cuts right through what used to be his front yard.
“Yeah, I’ve watched the whole thing being built and everything,” said Nessmith. “I can see it from my front yard, just as plain as day.”
Still, at least so far, Nessmith says the 13-mile extension hasn’t been as noisy as he thought it would be and can see why it might be a good idea.
“I think it would be good as far as if there was a storm or something bad. It gives people quick access out of the area. So, that part of it I think would be good," said Nessmith.
“I mean, it’ll save time. I don’t think it will increase business like they say. But I’m all for it,” said Lois Larson, who also lives nearby.
The new road is still creating friction between those who say it will promote growth in the region and those who frankly don’t want that growth. In fact, it’s part of the reason many have chosen to live here.
“I think it will take away a little bit of the slower life we have around here,” said neighbor Amanda Smith, “But, other than that, I think it’s a good thing.”
“Well, I like it for the travel to Tampa so I can go see my granddaughter,” said Don Snyder. “And I don’t like it because of the fact it will bring more people up here.”
Still, even Nessmith, who can now count cars from his front yard, knows that growth is all but inevitable, even if some would prefer it be further down the road.
“I’m a fourth-generation Floridian. The future is only improving one way or another,” said Nessmith. “So, I don’t have any complaints about it.”
With this phase of roadway construction complete, attention will shift to three additional phases to lengthen the Suncoast Parkway. State transportation leaders plan to extend the route from State Road 44 to County Road 486 in 2026. Later, it's scheduled to be extended from County Road 486 to County Road 495.
And finally, there's consideration to further draw out the parkway from County Road 495 to U.S. Highway 19.