The Rewind: February TPO Board Meeting & LRTP Public Hearing

February’s agenda covered two of the TPO’s most essential functions: the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Before beginning the meeting, the TPO Board took time to recognize Lynn Gray, the new school board representative for the TPO Board. She shared her gratitude for the TPO’s service to the community and her eagerness to contribute her experience to its continued success.

The first action item was two intersection improvement TIP Amendments:
• State Road 39 at Trapnell Road
• State Road 674 at East of 27th Street Southeast

The aim of these two projects is to enhance safety, durability, and walkability. A member of the Board asked if sidewalks would be a part of the intersection improvements. TPO staff noted that they believe sidewalks are already present in those areas but would follow up to confirm. The Board approved the TIP amendments then promptly transitioned into the Public Hearing portion of the meeting to consider amendments to the 2050 LRTP.

The Florida Department of Transportation Division 7 requested the addition of the following projects:

• Branch Forbes Rd. – Widen from 2 to 4 lanes from south of US92 to north of I-4; Estimated design cost of $3.2M
• McIntosh Rd. – Widen from 2 to 4 lanes from south of US92 to north of I-4; Estimated design cost of $4.5M

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise requested the addition of the following projects:

• Existing Veterans Expressway project, widening to 8 lanes from Van Dyke Rd. to Pasco County Line; Estimated cost increase of $700k for design phase
• Veterans Expressway – Add 2 lanes from Hillsborough Ave. to Waters Ave/Anderson Rd.; Estimated total cost of $38.7M
• Veterans Expressway Interchange modifications at:
   – Hillsborough Ave.; Estimated total cost of $18M
   – Anderson Rd.; Estimated total cost of $18M
   – Linebaugh Ave.; Estimated total cost of $2.4M
   – Wilsky Blvd.; Estimated total cost of $12

Ultimately, the TPO Board also voted to approve these amendments.

Interested in viewing all the proceedings? Recordings of the TPO Board Meetings can be viewed on our YouTube channel: Transportation Planning Organization – YouTube