Hillsborough, Webb Road Improvements Included in County Budget

Construction on a busy intersection that many Westchasers use is being considered by county officials.

Improvements to Webb Road and Hillsborough Avenue are included in the pending 2013 county budget. The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners will be voting on the budget later next month.

The $1.8 million project would prevent traffic from backing up on Hillsborough Avenue by increasing left turn capacity from Webb Road.

"This is an intersection that has had an accident history that really warrants a fix or alternative to be done," said Steve Valdez, county public works spokesperson.

The area has several schools and a lot of traffic, Valdez added.

"So the sheer volume of it is going to bring it pretty high up to a cost beneficial project," he said. "Throw in the accident history and it really screams that it's something that needs immediate attention."

The entire Hillsborough County budget totals $3.06 billion, including pay for county employees, utilities and five years of capital improvements. The public will have several opportunities to speak about road projects and other issues they'd like addressed in the budget at upcoming public hearings.

"I think right now we're having to wait and see what the final budget is in September," Valdez said. "Once that's done, we'll be setting a time for projects like this."

Have your say about the budget. Public hearing budget meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 12, and Thursday, Sept. 20. Both hearings begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the second floor board room of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa. Or send an e-mail to: hcbudget@hillsboroughcounty.org.

What do you think about this project? Is is needed? Let us know in the comments section.