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Hernando roads to get safety enhancements from $552,000 in grant funds

 
Published Jan. 21, 2015

BROOKSVILLE — Beginning with Powell Road, 10 curving rural roadways in Hernando County will be receiving safety enhancements, thanks to a $552,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.

The improvements include speed advisory signs, new roadway striping and reflective pavement markers. The enhancements will bring the potentially dangerous curves into compliance with the latest Federal Highway Administration rules.

The improvements will take place over the next few months, according to county spokesman Virginia Singer.

The roads slated for improvements are Osowaw Boulevard, Sunshine Grove Road, Citrus Way, Fort Dade Avenue, Croom Road, Mondon Hill Road, Lingle Road, Lockhart Road, Powell Road and Hayman Road.

The rural roads were chosen for the grant based on crash reports and traffic volume information, which provide data on the frequency of crashes that result in fatalities or incapacitating injuries. Roads that have a rate above the statewide average for two-lane rural roads can be eligible for the funding, which comes from a new federal initiative known as the High Risk Rural Roads Program.

According to FHA crash statistics, about 60 percent of fatalities happen on rural roads.

County public works staffers and the DOT conducted a road safety audit in Hernando in 2009. They studied 13 roads to determine if the advisory speeds on the curves were appropriately set. That study helped form the basis to allow the county to apply for the grant.

"We have some of the most beautiful rural roads in the state,'' county Commissioner Jim Adkins said in a news release. "I support pursuing every opportunity that will cut back on accidents, making safer roadways for our residents and visitors.''

Contact Barbara Behrendt at bbehrendt@tampabay.com or (352) 848-1434.