$1.25 Billion Tampa Westshore Interchange Project Expected to Handle 400,000 Cars Daily by 2045
It’s one of the worst bottle necking areas in Tampa Bay. The Westshore interchange coming off the Howard Frankland Bridge is an every day headache. Thankfully, big changes are coming starting in 2025. The Florida Department of Transportation has kicked off work where Veterans Expressway, State Road 60, and I-275 meet near Tampa International Airport.
The project includes new elevated ramps for easy airport access and wider roads on State Road 60. New express lanes will run along I-275, with work beginning in spring 2024 and wrapping up in 2031.
Traffic at Florida’s busiest business district keeps climbing. By 2045, this interchange will need to support 400,000 vehicles each day – way more than current levels.
Two major construction companies landed the first phase. Lane Construction Corp. and Superior Construction received $10 million to begin planning. They’ll upgrade Reo Street, Occident Street, and Trask Street to help local traffic move better.
Motorists will soon have access to both toll and free lanes going from Howard Frankland Bridge right to Lois Avenue. New connections will run north, connecting State Road 60 to State Road 589.
This busy area is home to thousands of businesses – 4,000 companies, two shopping centers, 40 hotels, and 250 restaurants. It’s Florida’s largest business hub.
The construction will happen in phases to minimize traffic disruption. Along with road improvements, new paths for cyclists and pedestrians will make travel easier. Better design will reduce accidents by making lane changes easier. Extra lanes mean shorter wait times, and less congestion leads to reduced emissions. The design will also accommodate future transit along I-275.
It’s a major upgrade for Tampa’s roadways. Construction activity will pick up speed through 2025.
