Crystal River city officials are turning their attention to improving the intersection of Citrus Avenue (County Road 495) and Turkey Oak Drive, a key gateway to the city’s historic downtown. The intersection is expected to see significant changes in traffic once the Suncoast Parkway extension is completed.
Mayor Joe Meek raised the issue during a recent City Council discussion, urging members to begin aligning on a long-term vision before approaching Citrus County and regional planners for funding and design support. “I want to make sure that as we start this process with the County Commission, that we are all on the same page,” Meek said. “That intersection needs to be a starting point; it needs to be improved or it’s going to be a mess.”
The intersection sits just north of the city’s historic downtown, effectively serving as the final choke point for drivers heading into the pedestrian-oriented district. Meek said that creates both a challenge and an opportunity. “I think some kind of interchange improvement … to divert traffic and let people know that if they want to come into our historic downtown, that would be great, but it’s going to be a pedestrian-friendly, slow traffic area,” he said.
Complicating matters, Citrus Avenue is a county-owned roadway, meaning any improvements would require coordination with Citrus County, as well as inclusion in the Citrus/Hernando Metropolitan Planning Organization’s plans.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
