Drivers in the Tampa Bay area are no strangers to lengthy waits at traffic lights, but one intersection in Pasco County has been particularly aggravating for local resident Don Hassee. The intersection in question is at State Road 54 and Bexley Village Drive, just east of the Veterans Expressway.

Hassee notes that making a left turn into the Bexley neighborhood can be an ordeal. “If I’m about 10 cars back, I know it’s going to be tough to make that light. You’ve got to wait for two cycles,” he explained.

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The area around this intersection has experienced significant growth, with new homes and businesses contributing to increased traffic congestion. 

During an interview with Spectrum News, Hassee measured the duration of the left turn signal several times, finding it to be between 20 to 25 seconds, which he believes is insufficient for clearing the traffic queue.

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The issue extends beyond just waiting times; the backup from the turn lanes spills onto SR-54, complicating traffic flow there as well. “Then you’ve got traffic on 54, and those people are also struggling to get through,” Hassee observed.

This problem is especially pronounced during rush hours. Hassee has called for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to adjust the light timings to better accommodate traffic flow.

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Following inquiries from Spectrum News, FDOT officials inspected the intersection and fixed a detection equipment issue. They’ve committed to ongoing collaboration with Pasco County to address any remaining concerns.

Hassee is hopeful that these changes will ease the commute for many returning home at the end of the day. “People are tired after work; they just want to get home. An extra cycle would really smooth out the traffic flow,” he said.

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(Image credit: Google Maps)