Public Input Requested on Upper Tampa Bay Trail Extension

The Upper Tampa Bay Trail would be extended by almost five miles under a proposal that will soon go before the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners.

But first, the public is being asked to give their input.

The $3.7 million project would add 4.3 miles of 12-foot wide paved trail from Van Dyke Road North through Brooker Creek Headwaters Preserve to Lutz Lake Fern Road, then east along Lutz Lake Fern Road to the Suncoast Trail. The parking facility at the Suncoast Expressway also is proposed to be replaced with a new larger trailhead on Lutz Lake Fern Road, approximately one mile west.

For the past 15 years, Hillsborough County has been adding to the 41-mile trail. It is estimated that 300,000 people use the trail each year for biking, walking, running and other recreational uses.

Construction is expected to start in September 2012 and be completed in August 2013. County staff will be at the meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6:30pm to discuss the details of the project and answer any questions residents may have.

Here are the details of the public meeting:

When: Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Martinez Middle School, 5601 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road