The Florida Department of Transportation’s $227.5 million project to rebuild the I-275 and I-4 interchange in downtown Tampa has crossed the halfway mark. Work began in fall 2023. Crews have now completed more than half the construction on one of Tampa’s most jammed traffic spots.<\/p>\n
The new I-275 Northbound exit to Ybor City will open in fall 2026, according to Austin Petersen, Resident Engineer for FDOT. A flyover from I-275 Southbound to I-4 Eastbound should finish near the end of the project in spring 2027.<\/p>\n
“We’re in progress on many of our bridges. The new I-275 Northbound to Ybor City exit, that’s probably going to come online in the fall of this year, so that’s getting really close to completion,” said Petersen, according to Tampa Bay 28<\/a>.<\/p>\n FDOT launched the project to boost safety and operations at the interchange. Crews have finished much of the drainage work and continue assembling bridges throughout the zone.<\/p>\n The finished interchange will add lanes in most directions. I-4 Westbound to I-275 Southbound and I-4 Westbound to I-275 Northbound will each get an extra lane.<\/p>\n “When we are finished here, you’ll have an additional lane in most of the directions for the interchange,” said Petersen. The project includes a two-lane flyover bridge from I-275 Southbound to I-4 Eastbound. The existing bridge will become a direct exit to Ybor City.<\/p>\n FDOT aims to speed up traffic and cut down crashes at the location. The interchange handles some of Tampa’s heaviest traffic, with bumper-to-bumper conditions and long exit lines happening often.<\/p>\n Petersen urged drivers to stay alert as construction continues. “When workers are present, please slow down. Please be paying attention so that people can get home safely at night,” he said.<\/p>\n