West Villages Parkway Update

Those of us driving East along US Hwy 41 will notice that the new intersection of the Parkway and US 41 looks just about finished. The top, wear course of asphalt was placed yesterday and the turn lane markings are all in place.  So when will it open?

According to district engineer, JP, it won't open for at least another 60 days! At todays regular District Supervisors meeting, he stated there are two issues that prevent the intersection from being opened to traffic. First, there is a utility pole on the Southeast corner that needs to be relocated. FPL says it will relocated the pole; but Verizon wants about $10,000 to move the telephone lines that are also attached to that pole. The district feels this cost should be born by Verizon, and Verizon wants to be paid to do it. Negotiations are still underway.

Second, the new Parkway extension from US 41 South to the South County Resource Center isn't complete, and the current traffic lanes of the extension do not align properly with the new intersection, creating a traffic flow issue. The new West side extension road way is just about completed, and work to remove and replace the old East side of the new Parkway extension right of way has started. But, until a proper and safe alignment with the US 41 part of the intersection can be created, the intersection will not be opened to traffic.

JP stated that a formal, ribbon cutting, ceremony was anticipated for the official opening of the intersection. In about 60 days from now!