Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 91F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low 74F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.

From April 2022: Motorists travel north on U.S. 19 in Homosassa as work on a road-widening project continues on the busy highway.

From April 2022: Motorists travel north on U.S. 19 in Homosassa as work on a road-widening project continues on the busy highway.

With all the hoopla surrounding the recent opening of the Suncoast Parkway and the controversial battle over a potential route for the Florida Turnpike extension, one major road project that’s been going on for years has been out of the news: the widening of U.S. 19 through Homosassa and Crystal River.

The Chronicle asked the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for an update and here’s the latest:

Work on widening a 2.1-mile stretch from West Green Acres Street to South Jump Court in Homosassa began in November 2016 and experienced numerous work stoppages over the years. It came to a complete halt in July 2021 when the original project contractor (D.A.B. Constructors) filed for bankruptcy.

Palm Harbor-based Nelson Construction picked up the contract and resumed work Jan. 3, 2022. The projected completion date is late 2022.

A “significant portion” of the stormwater drainage system still needs work, FDOT spokesman John McShaffrey said. Several locations along U.S. 19 require asphalt pavement milling and repaving to correct deficiencies.

“There are a large number of repairs to sidewalk, curb and gutter, and regrading of some earthwork areas to conform to the design plans,” he said.

Going forward, McShaffrey said drivers can expect periodic lane closures along U.S. 19. There will also be a nighttime detour between Homosassa Trail and Grover Cleveland Boulevard to allow for signal relocation.

To keep tabs on this section of the project, visit https://www.fdot tampabay.com/project /110/405822-2-52-01

Widening of the 4.7 miles from Jump Court to Fort Island Trail began in November 2018 and is expected to finish in late 2023.

PCS Civil, Inc. picked up the contract from D.A.B. Constructors and are expected to complete the project in late 2023.

The contractor is working on storm drainage and traffic shifts at the north end of the project.

“Their primary focus has been at the south end to stabilize the ponds and median areas to maintain water quality standards,” McShaffrey said.

The remaining work includes paving the segment on U.S. 19 from just north of Penn Drive to Fort Island Trail.

Drivers can expect reduced access at Godfrey Lane while crews install a drainage crossing.

To follow the progress of this stretch, visit https://www.fdottampa bay.com/project /240/405822-3-52-01

Michael D. Bates is a staff writer with the Citrus County Chronicle and can be reached at mbates@chronicleonline.com

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