Florida: I-275 Widening (38th Ave. N. to 4th Street N.)

Progress and Planning in Pinellas County  

Challenge: Warm weather and a healthy job market have driven population growth in Pinellas County, Florida, with about half of new residents locating in the beautiful city of St. Petersburg, located southwest of Tampa. With more people come more cars and congestion on the highway. State and local leaders want to stay ahead of the increase in traffic and have plans to improve infrastructure and add capacity to accommodate current and future demands along the I-275 corridor that connects the county with the City of Tampa and the rest of the state.   

Solution: This project is part of the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, which is working to advance construction on projects around the state that will address congestion, improve safety, ensure the resiliency of our transportation network, and enhance Florida’s supply chain and economic growth. The Florida Department of Transportation will be widening I-275 to add two tolled express lanes in each direction from 38th Avenue N to south of Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas County. One additional tolled express lane in each direction of I-275 will also be added from south of Gandy Boulevard to north of 4th Street N. The roadway and trail improvements that are planned along Ulmerton Road will tie into existing networks, improvements recently completed as part of the Gateway Expressway project, and Howard Frankland Bridge reconstruction project. This latest construction project is helping to provide connectivity and improve commutes for people and goods along this major corridor and is part of the Department’s greater plan to improve the regional interstate network. 

What they’re saying: “I was excited to support these efforts as a county commissioner and Forward Pinellas Board Member and count it a blessing to see it move closer to fruition as mayor. I’m also thankful that we are still working towards that final extension here to downtown St. Pete – the anchor activity center on the western end of the I-4 corridor.” – City of St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch (Catalyst, 09/28/2023)  

Image Courtesy of FDOT