Bicyclists, Pedestrians, Motorists Could See Safety Improvements Along South 78th Street

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists in the Progress Boulevard area has been considered by Hillsborough County officials, a news release said.

The proposed improvements include South 78th street corridor from Progress Boulevard to Causeway Boulevard. According to officials, the existing corridor does not safely accommodate pedestrians or bicycles.

This project on 1.7 miles of South 78th Street could include any or all of the following safety improvements:

• A design and target speed of 35 mph
• 7-foot buffered bicycle lanes
• 8-foot sidewalks on both sides of the roadway
• Two 11-foot travel lanes
• A 15.5-foot to 22-foot grassed median between Progress Boulevard and 36th Avenue
• An 11-foot center, two-way left-turn lane between 36th Avenue and Causeway Boulevard
• Intersection improvements, including extended turn lanes and crosswalks

The preferred alternative has a centered alignment that will accommodate the wider proposed roadway and sidewalks by reconstructing 78th Street within an expanded right-of-way corridor on both sides of the existing roadway, officials said.

Residents can participate in a public engagement opportunity for the South 78th Street Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study until Nov. 11. Residents can visit HCFLGov.net/HCEngage to provide their opinions.

Questions in English or Spanish about the virtual public engagement for the South 78th Street complete streets project may be directed to the customersService center at (813) 635-5400.