An FAQ section was added to this press release.
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2026) - Part of Gunn Highway in northwest Hillsborough County will close for up to four weeks beginning Thursday, Nov. 5, for a culvert repair.
Gunn Highway will be closed between Lutz Lake Fern Road and Tarpon Springs Road. The road must close for a stormwater culvert replacement that entails replacing an aging 5-foot-by-10-foot box culvert with two 53-inch-by-83-inch elliptical reinforced concrete pipes. These upgraded structures will improve drainage capacity and long-term durability.
Residents who travel the Gunn Highway corridor near the Pasco County line will need to use marked detours to get around the closure.
Navigation apps have been updated on the detour.
For more information, contact Hillsborough County Public Works Customer Service at (813) 635-5400 or PWCustomerResolution@HCFL.gov.
FAQs
- Why does the culvert need to be replaced?
- The existing culvert is nearing the end of its service life. Replacing it now will prevent potential failure and maintain safe roadway conditions.
- Will the new culvert provide improved flood protection?
- Yes. The project will replace the existing 5-foot by 10-foot box culvert with two 53-inch by 83-inch elliptical reinforced concrete pipes. These upgraded structures will improve drainage capacity and long-term durability.
- Why does construction require a full road closure instead of lane closures?
- Due to the limited right-of-way and the presence of nearby utilities, it is not possible to safely complete the work while keeping any portion of the roadway open. Temporary lane closures were explored, but the constrained space made those options infeasible.
- Will businesses and residences along Gunn Highway still be accessible?
- Yes. The Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan requires the contractor to maintain driveway and local property access throughout construction.
- Why can't the project be done during summer while school is out?
- Summer construction was evaluated, but several factors made it impractical, including contractor scheduling constraints, material availability lead times, and seasonal weather conditions that pose higher risks for delays. Additionally, permits, coordination, and utility relocation activities could not be completed in time to allow a summer start.
- What could happen if the project is postponed to future years?
- Postponing this project to future years will increase the risk of failure of the existing box culvert. This would increase the duration and impact of road closure needed to replace the culvert as an un-planned emergency rather than as a planned project.
- Is it safe to drive over this culvert right now?
- Yes. The road is currently safe and is routinely inspected to ensure it remains in acceptable condition until construction begins.
- Will utilities be impacted during the construction?
- No. Only certain utilities within the construction area require minor adjustments, which generally does not require scheduled outages. If unforeseen service disruptions occur, the utility companies are required to prioritize these repairs.
- Will the project impact lakes or wetlands?
- Surface waters exist within the project area. Erosion control plans require silt fences, turbidity barriers, and riprap stabilization to protect Lake Fern and adjacent waterways.
- How much will this project cost?
- The current total project cost estimate is $1,318,000 (includes approximately $23,600 to expedite work and shorten the road closure).
About Hillsborough County
Established in 1834, Hillsborough County government provides essential services to a diverse and growing community under the leadership of a publicly elected, seven-member Board of County Commissioners. Services include water, solid waste and recycling, parks and recreation, public safety, infrastructure, pet resources, economic development, environmental stewardship and a wide range of community programs and public services. Hillsborough County services are paid for in part by property taxes. Learn more at HCFL.gov/PropertyTax.