Tampa Electric is moving its primary gypsum storage area to land on the north side of Big Bend Road. As part of this project, the conveyor belt, which was formerly used to transport gypsum to the storage area on the southern end of Big Bend property, will be removed in order to comply with state environmental requirements. The conveyor belt traverses Big Bend Road just west of the plant entrance and near the intersection of Dickman Rd. by the Manatee Viewing Center. Removing the conveyor is an important part of TECO’s overall plan to reduce dust and will provide visual improvement along the road.
In order to remove the conveyor belt, Big Bend Road will be closed at Wyandotte Rd. beginning October 8th. This will also have traffic impacts for Apollo Beach residents who use Dickman Road and for those driving to and from Apollo Beach Elementary School. We expect the closure will last between 15 and 21 days.
