Hernando County commissioners on Monday night approved two legal agreements that will improve car queueing lanes and school bus parking at Explorer K-8 School in Spring Hill. The agreements, a Transfer Agreement with the Hernando County School Board and an Encroachment Agreement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC, will allow for the realignment of a section of Explorer Boulevard.
The roadway improvements will be built and paid for by the Somerset Bay residential development, without taxpayer dollars. The changes will enable the school to safely accommodate traffic within its property, eliminating the current spill onto Northcliffe Boulevard. This project resolves a long-standing issue, with roots dating back to a 1927 utility easement held by Duke Energy. Somerset Bay had previously agreed to extend the road and add queuing, security fencing, and gates for the school as part of a Development Agreement in November 2022, but construction had not begun.
The agreements will result in the transfer of ownership of a portion of Explorer Boulevard from the School Board to Hernando County. Duke Energy has agreed to allow the County to build on land where they hold easement rights, following objections to parallel driveways within the corridor. The end result will enhance safety and organization for parents and students at Explorer K-8 School.
According to the Hernando Sun, the project will bring relief to families and staff at the school, who have been dealing with congestion and safety concerns for years. The new configuration is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
