On the trail sniffing for answers

It’s Wednesday, so let’s dish.

— Tell me if this is odd: The state recently spent $1.3 million to resurface several sections of the Withlacoochee State Trail in and around Inverness. The one section it did NOT resurface is the portion that cuts past Wallace Brooks Park and the Depot District.

That seemed sorta strange to me. It’s easily the most traversed trail section in Citrus County. How is it possible this section doesn’t require resurfacing, when the less traveled sections do?

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When I asked the Florida Department of Transportation about this in December, the answer was somewhat vague. Basically, FDOT inspectors determined the other sections needed improvement and this one didn’t. Frankly, that doesn’t pass the smell test.

My guess is logistics played a part. Each section was “closed” to walkers and bikers during the resurfacing, about a week in each case. Rather than essentially close the trail at Wallace Brooks and Liberty parks — granted, a nearly impossible feat — the state figured they’d simply hopscotch this section. Just my hunch.

The city has no knowledge of why FDOT did that. It’s really not that big a deal, though I’m sure Bunny has her thoughts since she’s on the trail every day. 

— Speaking of the state trail, just an observation: I’m not sure how I feel about E-bikes out there. While I certainly get the idea, some of these babies zip by at more than a few miles per hour.

The idea of a trail is recreation, not travel. It is, after all, a state park. Passiveness should always be the key.

Thoughts?

— Interesting story in Tuesday’s Chronicle about the Suncoast Parkway, but they missed the good stuff. The fact that the final two sections of the parkway will be completed at the same time is huge news to Crystal River, pretty much buying the city time to develop a plan for incoming traffic on Citrus Avenue.

I started asking a year ago whether Crystal River was ready for an interchange up the road on Citrus Avenue. I suggested the City Council have a detailed open conversation about this, including whether to ask FDOT to delete the Citrus Avenue interchange from the plans.

One councilman agreed with me. No conversation, yet.

The city has quietly pushed for FDOT to hold off opening the Citrus Avenue interchange until after the parkway is completed to U.S. 19. Looks like FDOT is listening.

We still need a conversation about the Citrus Avenue interchange. Adding the C.R. 486 interchange removed any need for Citrus Avenue. Unless, you know, someone’s trying to make a buck off the traffic it’ll generate.

For those scoring at home, Citrus County will have FIVE entry/exit points off the Suncoast Parkway. (I’m counting the one off U.S. 98 since it’s a sliced 4-iron from Citrus.) More than any other county. Two of those interchanges — Cardinal Street and Citrus Avenue — are miles from any urban center. Zero reason to draw traffic.

It’s hard enough balancing rural vs. growth. When we PURPOSELY ask for trouble, and that’s what the Citrus Avenue interchange brings, we deserve what comes.

C’mon Crystal River, let’s talk about it.

— The Chronicle also had an update about the U.S. 19 widening. We are WAY past the time for updates. I drive that road; I can’t tell what’s under construction and what isn’t. Even the parts where it’s open three lanes in each direction have that unfinished look.

I’m just going to say this: I don’t want to hear FDOT going on about the millions of dollars it’s spending on Citrus County projects (U.S. 41, S.R. 44 resurfacing, Suncoast Parkway, etc.) as if they’re doing us a favor. All these projects combined don’t erase the collective headache of — what is it, 40 years now? — that U.S. 19 widening.

This one can’t be finished fast enough.

Safe travels today, friends.

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