Pasco County Engineer Nick Uren briefed the MPO board on Oct. 9 about the Suncoast Trail overpass at State Road 52.

"Design was finished early this calendar year. Construction contract was advertised and awarded. Notice to proceed was given to the contractor to start work in July," Uren said. He reported that the contractor requested a delayed start to avoid impacts to trail users during the holiday season and that the contractor's new mobilization date is Jan. 1, 2026. Uren said some clearing and landscaping work may take place before January but the contract was executed and bid prices were memorialized, so the delay does not change the contract price.

Uren also said design is being finalized for the State Road 54 overpass; that project has not yet been advertised for construction but is expected to be advertised in the coming months.

Why it matters: The Suncoast Trail is a regional multiuse corridor. The overpass has been funded and is under contract; a clarified start date helps trail managers, adjacent communities and users plan for construction impacts and detours.

No vote was required; the update was provided as a status report.