Traffic woes force roadwork to continue

Commuters traveling through the University’s northern entrances on Fletcher Avenue shouldn’t expect traffic flow to get better any time soon.

This past Monday, construction crews began median and pavement work, forcing the periodic closure of one eastbound and one westbound lane along Fletcher from 42nd Street to 46th Street.

Dana Macke, the Hillsborough County Project Manager for the road improvements, said lane closures in that area should last about four weeks.

“It’s going to be an inconvenience for (USF commuters) for awhile,” Macke said. “It’s basically the last part of (the project).”Macke said left turn lanes will also be extended after workers finish milling the median.

The $1.47 million improvement project began in January 2006 to ease congestion around the University’s northern exits, Macke said.

Completion of all road improvements along the intersections of 42nd Street and Fletcher and North Palm Drive and Fletcher should be completed by the end of November, Macke said.

“After the repaving, we’ll be finishing up with signals and signs.”