Gunn Hwy and Tarpon Spring Road Intersection Improvements (CIP #69601427)
The existing Gunn Highway is a two-lane rural roadway with a posted speed limit of 40 mph. Tarpon Springs Road is a two-lane rural roadway with a posted speed limit of 45 mph, serving a mixture of commercial and residential uses. The intersection is a �T�-intersection where Tarpon Springs Road meets Gunn Highway. Due to the increase of residents into the surrounding area and continued development along both corridors, intersection is operating beyond its design capacity, resulting in traffic delays and a high number of vehicle accidents. In addition, both roadways lack sidewalk connectivity and bicycle lanes throughout the project.
The project will include an Interim phase and an Ultimate phase.
The Interim phase is funded for both the design and construction. The construction is limited to the replacement of the existing traffic signal with single mast arms, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant ramps and pedestrian crosswalks. Right-of-way along the east side of Gunn Highway is anticipated to be acquired for the mast arms. This phase is scheduled for construction in Summer 2011.
The Ultimate phase, which is also currently in design, is not funded for construction. The construction of this phase will be scheduled as funds become available.
The proposed Ultimate phase improvements would include:
- Adding a right turn lane on southbound Gunn Highway for traffic turning west onto Tarpon Springs Road;
- Extending the length of the existing left turn lane on northbound Gunn Highway for traffic turning west onto Tarpon Springs Road;
- Extending the length of both existing right and left turn lanes on eastbound Tarpon Springs Road approaching Gunn Highway;
- Add paved shoulders to Gunn Highway which also serve as bicycle lanes;
- Provide bicycle lanes on Tarpon Springs Road, which currently has marked bicycle lanes for the length of the roadway up to the Pinellas County Line to the west;
- Add sidewalks to both sides of Gunn Highway and to the south side of Tarpon Springs Road;
- Remove the first commercial entrance north of the intersection on the west side of Gunn Highway which is one of three access points to the Circle K/Shell gas station/convenience store.
No additional through lanes would be added in the project. Only a new right turn lane would be constructed on southbound Gunn Highway, and the remainder of the existing turn lanes would be increased in length.
Note that the traffic signal constructed as part of the Interim phase would remain in place for the Ultimate phase.
For additional concerns/questions contact customer satisfaction at (813) 635-5400 or e-mail QACS@hillsboroughcounty.org
