Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced $1.4 billion for the reconstruction of the I-275/SR 60 Westshore Area Interchange in Tampa. The project is set to take place in fiscal year 2023-2024.
The reconstruction of this major system-to-system interchange in the Westshore Business District, the largest employment center in Tampa Bay, will help alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety for motorists and promote continued economic growth. Home to Tampa International Airport, two professional sports facilities and over 4,000 businesses, Westshore is where commuter, cargo and tourism traffic converge.
“As our population continues to increase, we remain committed to improving our transportation infrastructure through strategic innovation,” said Governor DeSantis. “By significantly relieving traffic congestion, this reconstruction project will provide motorists a more effective way to travel through the region. Additionally, it will add capacity for future growth and improve connectivity for Tampa’s residents, businesses and visitors.”
This project will connect the Howard Frankland Bridge, the Courtney Campbell Causeway, the Veterans Expressway and Tampa International Airport with additional general purpose and express lanes. This project has been identified as the number one regional transportation priority by the MPOs, County Commissions and City Councils in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, and will allow for the Westshore interchange to be coordinated with the reconstruction of the Howard Frankland Bridge, which will begin next year.
At a local level, the project will provide a significant benefit to the walk/bike network and traffic circulation in the Westshore Business District by reconnecting local streets beneath the interstate to relieve traffic congestion on Westshore Boulevard and improve community access.
