As Pasco County kids head back to class today, construction changes could add to the bustle of school buses on one busy corridor.  FDOT officials say the changes could bring delays as drivers adjust to the new traffic patterns:

The US 41 widening project from Tower Rd. to Connerton Rd. began in August 2009, however since school let out for the summer, there have been changes to the traffic phasing.  Traffic is now reduced to two (2) lanes (one in either direction) with the elimination of the southbound (SB) right turn lane at Gator Lane turning into Land O Lakes High School/Pasco County School Board office.  Also the northbound (NB) left turn lane has been reduced (the length of the lane).

The project is designed to widen US 31 from two to four lanes with the option for six in the future.  The $12M project is expected to be complete in the Spring 2011.