The planned Suncoast Parkway trail could be shifted from the west side of the road to the east once construction begins on the highway's northern extension, the Citrus County Chronicle has reported.
The idea came about during a meeting last week of the Technical Advisory Committee, an advisory group of the Hernando-Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
Ben Berauer of Citrus County, a guest at the meeting, told committee members that it would make more sense to locate the trail on the east side because it would connect with other bike and nature trails at the Withlacoochee State Forest and be more picturesque for bikers and walkers. The view on the west side would be spoiled by Duke Energy power lines, he said.
Currently, the trail runs parallel to the parkway on the west side, from U.S. 98 south to the Veterans Expressway. The highway will be extended from U.S. 98 to State Road 44.
MPO Executive Director Dennis Dix told the Chronicle that Beraurer’s suggestion has merit and will be discussed with turnpike officials.
It would not be difficult, Dix told the newspaper, to install a pedestrian bridge at U.S. 98 allowing trail users to cross to the other side.