TAMPA, Fla. — A new list of top priority road projects across the Tampa Bay area for 2021 include the I-75 Interchange at Gibsonton Drive, the second phase of the I-75 interchange at Overpass Road and I-275 improvements north of Downtown Tampa from I-4 to Bearss Avenue.
The Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area Leadership Group is set to discuss the new priorities on Friday, November 20, 2020 in a virtual meeting.
I-75 Interchange at Gibsonton Drive
The hope is to add more lanes on both the southbound off-ramp and the northbound on-ramp, a possible southbound to eastbound cloverleaf, as well as widening Gibsonton Drive itself in the vicinity of the interchange, according to the Hillsborough MPO.
This project was made a priority by regional transit leaders because of the rapid growth in the area.
ABC Action News has been telling you about the problems on this interchange since 2018. Drivers describe being stuck in traffic for 35 to 40 minutes before they can access the highway in peak hours.
Interstate 75 and Overpass Road Interchange
Another priority project will be the second phase of the Interstate 75 and Overpass Road. This will serve as a safe gateway to rural north-central Florida and an anchor for economic development for neighboring, growing communities, according to Pasco County.
The I-75 and Overpass Road Interchange is a 6.6-mile stretch located along I-75 between the existing interchanges of State Road 52 and State Road 54.
This project is set to reduce the distance in between each intersection and turns the existing Overpass Road overpass into a full-diamond interchange.
This includes dual westbound-to-southbound I-75 turn lanes, and a single eastbound-to-northbound I-75 left-turn lane extending across a new Overpass Road bridge.
I-275 improvements north of Downtown Tampa from I-4 to Bearss Avenue
The Florida Department of Transportation funded improvements along the I-275 Corridor from the I-4/I-275 Interchange to north of Hillsborough Avenue they say will improve safety and traffic operations, add general use capacity, provide sound barriers and integrate opportunities for transit.
These improvements include providing dedicated auxiliary lanes from the I-4 ramps to north of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and add one general purpose lane in each direction from north of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to north of Hillsborough Avenue.
New sound barriers will be constructed along the corridor.
CLOSER LOOK | See where new sound barriers will be located
Construction is set to begin in Fall 2021.
Additional Priority Projects for 2021
- Central Polk Parkway Segment 1
- US 41 from SR 44 to SR 200
- Desoto Bridge Replacement
- Bradenton-Palmetto Connector
- CR 557 from US 17/92 to I-4
- Regional Rapid Transit in the I-275 Corridor
- Support HART’s exploration and negotiation for use of the CSX right-of-way for passenger transportation
