I-275 Widening Project in Pinellas County: Express Lanes and Future Benefits

I-275 Widening Project Overview

• 🛣️ Crews have begun the I-275 widening project in Pinellas County, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion.
• 🎯 The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans to add more express lanes to the interstate.

Express Lane Details and Scope

• ↔️ FDOT will add two express lanes in each direction from 38th Avenue North to south of Gandy Boulevard.
• 🔗 One express lane in each direction will run from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North, connecting to the Gateway Expressway.
• 💰 The $340 million project is funded through the Moving Florida Forward initiative, advancing construction by 8-10 years.

Project Benefits and Features

• 💡 Express lanes offer drivers an alternative to general use lanes, improving travel options.
• 🌉 The project includes noise barriers and a pedestrian and bike path along Almerton Road, connecting to the path on the Howard Franklin Bridge.
• 🚶‍♀️ This path will allow travel across Old Tampa Bay separately from interstate traffic.

Construction Timeline and Public Engagement

• ⏳ Engineers anticipate the project's completion in late 2030.
• ⚠️ While construction involves temporary disruptions, the end result is expected to be beneficial.
• 🗓️ FDOT will host a public Q&A session on September 25th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at PSTA's St. Pete office.
• 🚧 Drivers can expect lane closures primarily at night, with detours and reduced speed limits.