WESTCHASE - The plan to widen Linebaugh Avenue west of Westchase was around before Westchase itself was built. Still, many residents today are saying thanks, but no thanks.

Last year, Linebaugh carried an average of 19,640 cars and trucks a day. By 2031, it's expected to average 37,150 vehicles a day.

So county officials say widening Linebaugh to four lanes should ease the burden on the road from Countryway Boulevard to Racetrack Road. As proposed, the 1.5-mile project would include medians, sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

But many of the residents who packed the clubhouse at the Westchase Swim & Tennis Center last week worried that the project would exacerbate drainage problems, create noise, reduce safety, jeopardize wildlife - and draw even more traffic that would make congestion worse, not better.

"We're concerned that we're actually increasing that problem, not decreasing it," said Bernie Saboe, 49, a 12-year resident of Keswick Forest.

Other residents worried that widening Linebaugh will alter the character of Westchase and make it less family-friendly.

Of particular concern to some residents was the county's long-range plan to make the median wide enough to accommodate another future widening project that would create a six-lane corridor.

"Here comes your six lanes and there goes your kids walking to school," said Amy Walker, 34, who lives in the Bridges. "It's ridiculous."

But county public works spokesman Steve Valdez said the plan to make Linebaugh six lanes is not new. To the contrary, he said, it goes back "way before Westchase."

"It has always been planned for the last 20 years-plus to be a major east-west corridor," Valdez said. "This roadway was never, never to be a two-lane roadway. It was designed as a six-lane roadway."

County officials and consultants scheduled the meeting to get feedback during the road's design phase, which is in the early stages.

Many residents who have submitted comments so far have asked for an opening in the road's median for the Preserve apartments, Valdez said.

Chris Meares, an engineer who is the project manager for the design of the road, said county officials will evaluate the comments as plans come together.

"We address every comment and try to find a way to alleviate concerns," he said.

In any case, construction is not imminent. The cost of the project is estimated at $17 million, and construction is about 10 years away, Valdez said.

Richard Danielson can be reached at Danielson@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3403.