Valrico Road and Front Street Intersection Improvements (CIP #69601.402)
The existing intersection is located in the Brandon/Valrico area. Both N. Valrico Road and Front Street are 2-lane rural roadways with posted speed limits of 45 mph along N. Valrico Road and 35 mph along Front Street. The vertical alignment at the CSX railroad crossing is elevated above the existing approaches along Valrico Road and along Front Street. The intersection is stop-sign control on the eastbound approach. CSX railroad has a gated signal crossing, located on the south leg of the intersection parallel to Front Street.
The project will include an Interim phase and an Ultimate phase.
The Interim phase is funded for design and construction through the Hillsborough County Transportation Task Force (TTF) funds. This phase consists of the installation of a new mast arm traffic signal with associated pedestrian features, pavement striping on cross-walks on the west leg and at a new crossing on the north leg. Right-of-way along the northwest corner of the intersection is anticipated to be acquired for placement of a mast arm. This phase is scheduled to start construction in early 2012.
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 ultimate phase include the following improvements along N. Valrico Road
- Reconstruction of the roadway, which include raising the existing roadway elevations to better match the existing CSX rail crossing to improve sight distance.
- Widen the roadway to the west to add a new northbound left-turn lane and a southbound left-turn lane. The roadway is proposed to be widened to the west in order to avoid costly impacts to the CSX tracks and railroad switch on the east side. Right-of-way would be required for the proposed roadway widening.
- Provide concrete sidewalks along both sides throughout the project limits to improve safety pedestrian access.
- New stormwater inlets, concrete piping and drainage are provided to improve drainage conditions.
- A longer gate and a wider concrete railroad surface crossing would be constructed by CSX to accommodate the widened roadway.
The Ultimate phase would also include the following improvements along Front Street:
- Reconstruction of the roadway, which include raising the elevation of the existing roadway to improve sight-distance and providing safety with five foot paved shoulders.
- Widen the roadway to the north to add a new eastbound left-turn lane.
- A new drainage swale is proposed along the north side as well as a new concrete sidewalk within the project limits to improve existing conditions.
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
