CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — If you’ve driven from Pasco or Hernando County down to Tampa or vice versa, you’ve likely taken the Suncoast Parkway. Many drivers who make the commute say it’s a huge time saver.
Pretty soon drivers in Citrus County will be able to take advantage of a new portion of the Suncoast Parkway allowing them to bypass traffic and save even more time.
It’s called the Suncoast Parkway 2. It’s the biggest transportation project for Citrus County drivers in years. It’s a new 13-mile extension to the current Suncoast Parkway. It will allow drivers to get from US-98 to SR-44 in Lecanto without ever hitting a traffic light.
Leaders with Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise say the $135-million project is entirely paid for by the revenues from tolls. Work began in February 2018. The original completion date was set for the summer of 2022, but in an unusual turn of events, crews were ahead of schedule and the project is set to open within the coming months.
The project includes 15 new bridges, five wildlife crossings and the extension of the pedestrian overpass popular for bikers and joggers. Transportation leaders say the project improves safety and enhances mobility, connecting Citrus County drivers to the current 42-mile-long Suncoast Parkway.
It makes the hour and a half drive from Citrus County down to Tampa and St. Petersburg a lot smoother and faster.
This is just the first phase of the project. Phase 2 will connect SR 44 to CR 486. Phase 3A will connect CR 486 to CR 495. Phase 3B will connect CR 495 to US 19 in Citrus County.