I-275 from Howard Frankland Bridge to Hillsborough River

Click on red project area on map for close up view.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Construction of the I-275 project from Tampa Bay to the Hillsborough River will begin in early 2007 with the construction of the new northbound lanes. The new northbound lanes will be constructed to the south of the existing interstate. During construction, northbound and southbound traffic will remain on the existing lanes for most of the project length.

Following construction of the northbound lanes, construction of the southbound lanes will commence. The new southbound lanes will be constructed in the same location as the existing southbound lanes. The I-275 northbound traffic will be placed on the new I-275 northbound lanes. Southbound traffic will use the old I-275 northbound lanes. Construction is expected to be completed in 2013.

Aesthetics

Driving the Downtown Interchange and Interstate 4 provides a preview of the aesthetics that are being included as system-wide improvements in the interstate construction projects. The segment of I-275 from the Howard Frankland Bridge to the Hillsborough River will include these same system-wide aesthetic treatments. Click here to view several of the system-wide elements.

In addition to the system-wide aesthetic elements, focal areas have been highlighted with aesthetic treatments that reflect the surrounding community. Howard and Armenia Avenue overpasses are the central point of the West Tampa National Register Historic District. Consequently, the design reflects the historic nature of the community by including brick, arch details, and knee walls reminiscent of the local architecture.

The Westshore Business District is much more contemporary with hotels, plazas, and office buildings all in close proximity to many established neighborhoods. The Westshore Boulevard and Dale Mabry highway overpasses will include the system-wide elements and some aesthetic elements included in other focal areas, such as the five-foot diameter public art medallions. However, this design is less traditional and more contemporary to appropriately compliment the surrounding community.