Valrico drivers frustrated as traffic blocks turns

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers in Hillsborough County are frustrated with the growing traffic at a busy intersection in Valrico.

Carole Brennan says the intersection of Lithia Pinecrest Road and Valrico Road often has backups at rush hour that are hard to get through.

“It’s bumper to bumper, stop and go,” Brennan said.

Her main concern is the southbound congestion on Lithia Pinecrest Road. At Valrico Road, she says that traffic can block the intersection.

“The southbound traffic blocks the intersection, so the people wanting to make a left off of Valrico Road can’t turn left,” Brennan said.

Hillsborough County officials are aware of the issues there.

In fact, they plan to improve the Valrico Road intersection and several other intersections along the Lithia Pinecrest corridor.

That includes a widening project on Lithia Pinecrest to go from two lanes to four, from Fishhawk Blvd to East Lumsden Road. Plans also call for improved pedestrian and bicyclist accommodations.

In the meantime, Brennan would like to see the county consider signs that say don’t block the intersection.

“This needs a big sign with big letters to alleviate that problem,” Brennan said.

Hillsborough County officials say that is something that can be considered as planning for the improvement project continues.

There is currently no start date for construction. It will take place in phases over the next several years.