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County Conducts Road Analysis

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By HAROLD VALENTINE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2007

Updated: 10/18/2007 11:44 pm

CARROLLWOOD - A Hillsborough County analysis of roads in Original Carrollwood and Carrollwood Village found that the majority of drivers - 85 percent - drove 5 to 15 mph faster than posted speed limits on many streets.

The analysis came after seven public hearings in 2005 and 2006, prompted by resident complaints, said county engineer Sam Halabi. As a result, Halabi is working on speed reduction projects in the two neighborhoods.

The studies found that drivers regularly traveled 10 mph over posted limits on Orange Grove Drive in Original Carrollwood.

In Carrollwood Village areas, such as North Village Drive, South Village Drive and West Village Drive, most drivers averaged speeds nearing 50 mph with limits posted at 35 mph.

Halabi, who is involved in speed reduction construction in both areas, said projects in those areas and others will cost the county approximately $4 million.

'We know we have a lot of work to do,' Halabi said.

Roads that will experience construction in Original Carrollwood include Orange Grove Drive, West Barclay Road, Carrollview Drive, Hampton Place, Reclinata Lane, Linebaugh Avenue, Lake Carroll Way, Carrollwood Drive, Valencia Road, Hudson Lane, Paldao Road, McFarland Road, Lake Ridge Road and Lipsey Road.

In Carrollwood Village construction is planned for Casey Road, Lowell Road, Carrollwood Village Drive, South Village Drive, Carrollwood Village Run, West Village Drive, Burrington Drive, North Village Drive, North Park Drive, Middle Park Drive, Hampton Park Boulevard and Turner/Lynn roads.

Measures will include speed feedback signs, colored, textured and raised intersections and crosswalks, speed tables, bike lanes, narrowed lanes and turn restriction signs.

Halabi said more sophisticated efforts, such as colored and textured pavement work, will be hired out to contractors. Construction for that is expected to begin in February.

For basic designs such as speed tables, work began this week in portions of Original Carrollwood north of Busch Boulevard, south of Fletcher Avenue and east of Dale Mabry Highway.

Meanwhile, traffic trouble spots in the Carrollwood area include Lake Magdalene, where curb-and-gutter work continues on Balsawood Place until Nov. 2.

Nearby, between Tara Grove Drive and Bearss Avenue, Cherry Creek Drive and Smitter and Clark roads are getting raised intersections from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At the Anderson Road and Gunn Highway intersection, median and turning lane construction occurs between rush hours until Oct. 31.

The complete makeover at Anderson Road and Waters Avenue continues, also between rush hours. Road widening, drainage improvements, traffic signals and utility relocation will last until Feb. 13.

TRAFFIC CONCERNS?

Are there local traffic or road issues that concern you? Construction projects you wonder about, or hazards other drivers should know about? If so, contact reporter Harold Valentine at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine @tampatrib.com.

Reporter Harold Valentine can be reached at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine@tampatrib.com.

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