DADE CITY, Fla. — Work continues on a section of Route 98 in Pasco County called the Dade City Bypass to widen the road from two to four lanes.
But nearby business owners are concerned about what will change there.
People come to Ken Woodard’s Quilted Twins shop for one reason.
“This is the love of people. They’re making things with their hands for the people they love,” Woodard said.
Over the past seven years, Woodard has built the business into a destination for those interested in quilting or in need of fabric.
“We also have very loyal customers,” he said. “Our typical customer drives an hour to get here. But when they get to Dade City and the construction starts, they get a little frustrated when they walk into the store.”
The construction he’s talking about is on the Dade City Bypass east of downtown, which broke ground in March 2023.
The Florida Department of Transportation is widening the road between 7th Avenue North and 7th Avenue South from two to four lanes to accommodate growth in the area.
That’s something Woodard never expected to see in Dade City.
“When we came here 35 to 37 years ago, it was a dirt road. Now it’s two lanes, and it’s about to become four lanes. Traffic congestion has just skyrocketed.”
However, roadworks caused some problems for customers to find the store due to road closures and detours.
Woodard also has concerns about the two additional roundabouts. One is on Seventh Street South and the other is on Old Lakeland Highway.
Location of future roundabout on Old Lakeland Highway. (Courtesy of FDOT)
“People in that lane are going to be concentrating on not hitting other people,” Woodard said.
The road is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026, according to the project website. In the meantime, southbound traffic on Route 98 will be detoured through downtown Dade City.
Woodard’s hope is that when the project is completed, the end result will be positive for his business and his customers.
“We want them to come into the store with confidence and enjoy the experience,” he said.
