U.S. 98 Bypass Design-Build

As lead designer for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7, Michael Baker transformed a 1.6-mile rural two-lane section of U.S. 98 into a modern four-lane divided corridor. This design-build project increased capacity, enhanced mobility, and improved safety while providing a bypass route around downtown Dade City. Key improvements included widening the roadway, constructing two modern roundabouts and five signalized intersections, adding sidewalks along both sides of the corridor, and developing stormwater management facilities.

Safety was a primary objective throughout the design process. Enhanced pedestrian crossing treatments were incorporated in accordance with the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and FDOT Design Manual requirements, including rectangular rapid flashing beacons at multilane roundabout crossings and a pedestrian hybrid beacon at a mid-block crossing. The two new roundabouts were designed to serve as traffic-calming features in addition to improving traffic flow and safety.

“This project’s success was built on respect, collaboration, and proactive communication among all partners, including Cone and Graham, the Michael Baker design team, subcontractors, CEI, FDOT, local officials, law enforcement and the public. By addressing challenges professionally, resolving issues at the lowest level possible, and working together in good faith, the team delivered a project that the DRB described as a model for how projects should be executed in Florida.”

Michael Baker worked closely with FDOT, Dade City, utility providers, CSX Railroad, and construction partners to support phased construction and maintain project progress. The team coordinated utility relocations, addressed unsuitable soil conditions, and developed multiple detour routes to accommodate community events. Throughout construction, detours were refined in response to input from the city, county, and public.

The project team navigated several complex challenges, including higher water tables, constrained right-of-way, utility relocations, unsuitable soils, and disruptions caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton. After construction began, Michael Baker implemented FDOT-directed modifications to two signalized intersections. Through extensive partnering among FDOT, local officials, stakeholders, and the project team, the revised intersection designs were approved and implemented while maintaining project momentum.

The project was completed in June 2026, five months ahead of the original schedule. An accelerated construction approach at one roundabout reduced a planned detour by 66 days, helping minimize disruptions to the traveling public.