West Villages Improvement District and the Wellen Park Development Team are leading an improvement project along US 41.
The planned improvements are being funded by Wellen Park, LLLP. There is no fee or cost impact to homeowners via the WVID annual assessments for the initial planning, design, permitting and construction of the planned improvements.
The planned improvements will reduce the speed of traffic and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists along a US 41 in an area that is growing rapidly with new residential and commercial construction. Reduced speed will also help mitigate noise impacts associated with US 41 traffic.
Construction timeframe: January 2023 to 2024
The improvements are being completed in two phases to add sidewalk pathways, curbs, landscaping and functional traffic roundabouts. Extensive planning has been done to ensure there will be minimal traffic impacts.
Phase 1 Construction Update (PDF)
After construction began in early 2023 and traffic was moved into single lane configuration on the north lanes of US 41, unforeseen utility conflicts were discovered between the planned improvements and telecommunication and water/wastewater utility infrastructure. This necessitated a pause in the “above-ground” construction work while the conflicts were assessed and resolved. Although it may have appeared that no construction work was taking place from the road, quite a bit of planning/design work was completed at a relative quick pace. As of early September 2023, all conflicts were resolved and work has resumed on construction for the planned improvements.
Phase 1 Timeline Update
Early 2024
• All of the right turns in and out of roads that connect to US 41 will be completed and open.
• Wellen Park Boulevard will be open as the main entrance into Downtown Wellen.
• US 41 southbound traffic can turn right onto Wellen Park Boulevard.
Summer 2024
• Phase 1 construction will be completed along US 41 regarding the roundabout and lane work.
Phase 2 Construction Update
All barrels and cones will be removed off the road project and the roundabout will be opened for normal flow of traffic to all way traffic on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
FAQs
What are these improvements going to cost me as a homeowner?
Nothing. There is no fee or cost impact to homeowners via the WVID annual assessments for the initial planning, design, permitting and construction of the planned improvements.
What is the purpose of the US 41 improvements?
The West Villages Improvement District and Wellen Park are working to enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists along US 41 in an area that is growing rapidly with new residential and commercial construction. In addition to the added curbs, landscaping and functional traffic roundabouts, reduced speed limits will also help mitigate roadway noise.
How long is construction expected to last during the project?
Phase One construction began in January 2023 and Phase Two construction began in May 2023. Both phases will be completed in 2024.
Will there be any road closures during construction?
Extensive planning has been done to ensure there will be minimal traffic impacts. Lanes will be reduced with a 45 miles per hour speed limit throughout the work zone and roundabouts will be built in sections with traffic being redirected accordingly. While initial plans do not include any planned road closures, our team will be continuously monitoring traffic impacts and adjust plans, as needed.
Will there be any permanent traffic changes following construction?
Upon completion of Phases 1 and 2, the speed limit will be set at 45 miles per hour along US 41 from Mezzo Drive to Preto Boulevard to maximize motorist, pedestrian and cyclist safety. Reduced speed will also help mitigate noise impacts associated with US 41 traffic.
How can I stay informed of project updates?
Project updates will be posted on this webpage periodically.