SR 54 Widening Project Successfully Completed

We are thrilled to announce the completion of one of Pasco County’s most significant road projects—the widening of State Road 54 (SR 54) in Wesley Chapel. Earlier this year, as reported by Tampa Bay Times, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officially accepted the completed project, marking a key milestone in improving traffic flow and accessibility for the growing Wesley Chapel community.

This $43 million project was designed to accommodate the rapid growth in the area. What was once a modest, two-lane country road is now a four-lane divided highway, complete with a new sidewalk on the north side and a 10-foot-wide multiuse trail on the south. These additions, stretching across the full 4.5-mile length from east of Curley Road to east of the Morris Bridge Road/Eiland Boulevard intersection, provide much-needed infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

Meeting Challenges and Ensuring Success

The SR 54 widening faced its share of challenges. Originally scheduled for completion in 2022, the project was delayed by unexpected supply chain issues caused by the pandemic. Additionally, the previous contractor, D.A.B. Constructors, voluntarily defaulted on the project in 2021, leading FDOT to assign Cone & Graham Inc. as the new contractor. Despite these obstacles, our team worked diligently to bring the project to completion by early 2024.

All through-lanes on SR 54 were opened in late October, with final turn lanes operational by December. After completing final cleanup activities in January, we are proud to officially close this chapter, knowing the road is now better equipped to serve the Wesley Chapel community.

A Legacy of Improvement

SR 54’s widening marks the fourth major road improvement in Wesley Chapel over the past five years, collectively totaling more than $200 million in investment. Alongside the SR 54 expansion, Pasco County and FDOT have overseen the 6-mile extension of SR 56 to Zephyrhills (2018), the diverging diamond interchange at SR 56/I-75 (2022), and the Overpass Road interchange at I-75 (2023).

As we celebrate the completion of this project, we look forward to supporting future improvements, including the upcoming widening projects for Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Old Pasco Road.

For more insights into the SR 54 project and its impact, read the original Tampa Bay Times article by John C. Cotey.