Drivers who take SR-56 and I-75 for their commutes may see some relief in traffic sooner than expected. 

  • I-75 overpass to be turned into a diverging diamond to ease congestion
  • Project will cost $20 million and expected to last 2 1/2 years
  • Public hearing on the plans to be held Dec. 14

Pasco County and FDOT have started plans to put in a diverging diamond at the I-75 overpass. It was slated at one point for 2024, but has now moved up to 2018. 

Over the years, residents in the Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and Land O' Lakes area have been dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic during the week and weekends. 

Due to rapid development on SR-54 and 56, residents now say the area is a traffic nightmare. 

"We moved out here to get away from traffic, it's the worst it's ever been," said resident Greg Holmes. 

Commissioner Mike Moore has been pushing for the project to be moved up. 

"I see this traffic congestion on a day-to-day basis. I drive it every day myself," Moore said. 

The $20 million project will turn the overpass into a diverging diamond. It will look similar to the one being built in Manatee County off I-75 and University Parkway

"The line of sight is supposed to be better in these situations, the timing of the signals -- it's supposed to be a smooth flow of traffic," Moore said. 

The smooth flow of traffic is something many residents are looking forward to. 

"Hopefully the diverging diamond does help," said resident Greg Christopher. "It's going to snarl things up. When they expanded this it snarled it up too. With progess comes congestion." 

Once construction starts, the project is expected to last two and a half years. 

A public hearing is being held on Dec. 14 at the West Pasco Government Center.