Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced last week that $1.4 billion would be provided for reconstruction efforts on the I-275/SR 60 Westshore Area Interchange in Tampa, Fla.
The project should take place in fiscal year 2023-2024 and help alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety, and encourage economic growth. The route supports the Tampa International Airport, sports facilities, and more than 4,000 area businesses. The Westshore Business District, where the interchange is located, represents the largest employment center in Tampa Bay.
“As our population continues to increase, we remain committed to improving our transportation infrastructure through strategic innovation,” DeSantis said. “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.”
The interchange will connect the Howard Frankland Bridge, the Courtney Campbell Causeway, the Veterans Expressway, and Tampa International Airport with more general purpose and express lanes. Further, it will be coordinated with the reconstruction of the bridge, which will begin next year.
“The I-275/SR 60 Interchange project is a critical first step in my plan to transform Tampa’s transportation system,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said. “This major project will enable us to revolutionize the Westshore District into a thriving urban neighborhood that is safe and convenient to access by transit, bike, or on foot. We will now be able to reconnect local streets and neighborhoods, move forward with construction of the Westshore Intermodal Center, create a transit connection between Westshore and Downtown Tampa – and much more!”