South Kings Avenue in Ruskin was set to narrow to a single lane in each direction Wednesday, weather permitting, as crews began installing the South Hillsborough Pipeline across the road.
Both northbound and southbound lanes have been reduced and shifted to the west side of the road from approximately Buckhorn Creek Road to just north of Ronele Drive, according to the South Hillsborough Pipeline project website. The tightest pinch point sits between Dali Drive and just north of Ronele Drive, where only one lane runs in each direction.
Dali Drive remains open.
The lane shift is expected to last three to four weeks, potentially stretching into late August, according to a project announcement posted July 23 ahead of overnight prep work on the crossing.
South Hillsborough Pipeline Project Drives the Road Work
The South Hillsborough Pipeline is Tampa Bay Water's largest construction project to date. The $505.7 million, 26-mile pipeline will carry up to 65 million gallons of drinking water per day from the regional surface water treatment plant in Brandon to Hillsborough County's Lithia Water Treatment facility, serving fast-growing communities in southern Hillsborough County.
Contractor Garney has been working around the clock at the Buckhorn Creek crossing since July 13, adding nighttime operations to accelerate pipe installation before Hillsborough County schools resume in early August. The current lane reduction allows crews to install the pipeline across South Kings Avenue to the east side of the road.
More Lane Closures, Intersection Shutdown Expected Nearby
Construction activity also began on the south side of Boyette Road near Hammock Crest on Monday, with crews installing shoring for a tunnel beneath Boyette Road. Heavy equipment including large cranes and excavators is on site, with construction noise running 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The South Kings Avenue and Ronele Drive intersection is expected to close in early August as pipeline work progresses onto Ronele Drive, according to a project update published July 24. A specific closure date has not been confirmed.
How Residents Can Track Pipeline Closures and Detours
The entire pipeline project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. Residents can sign up for email alerts at southhillsboroughpipeline.com or call 813-485-6480 for updates on road closures and detours.
