Cone & Graham, Inc. contributed to the long-awaited Ridge Road Extension project in Pasco County, a critical infrastructure improvement that had been over 20 years in the making. The first phase of the extension opened with a 4.2-mile section of roadway connecting Moon Lake Road to the Suncoast Parkway. This vital east-west corridor aims to alleviate traffic congestion, provide an additional hurricane evacuation route, and spur growth in one of the county's fastest-growing areas.

The Ridge Road Extension includes 16 bridges and 15 upland wildlife crossings to mitigate the environmental impact on the Serenova Preserve, a conservation area home to numerous protected species. The design carefully balanced the need for infrastructure improvements with environmental sensitivity, reducing the impact on wetlands by 83 percent. The wildlife-friendly design also allows animals to cross safely under the roadway, preserving habitats and maintaining natural hydrologic connections.

Phase 2 of the project is currently underway, extending the road from the Suncoast Parkway to Sunlake Boulevard and ultimately to U.S. 41. When fully complete, the 9-mile extension will improve mobility across the region and enhance overall roadway capacity. The extension is expected to accelerate evacuation times during hurricanes by nearly 30 percent, cutting six hours off the evacuation process for residents in coastal zones.

This project is part of a broader plan to accommodate anticipated growth in Pasco County, including the development of the Angeline master-planned community and the construction of the new H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute campus near the Ridge Road and Suncoast Parkway interchange. These developments, along with improved infrastructure, are set to bring significant economic opportunities and job creation to the region.

The Ridge Road Extension’s construction marks a major milestone in the county’s long-term transportation plan, ensuring safer, more efficient travel for residents and visitors, while balancing environmental concerns.