Nobody likes to deal with heavy traffic. Traffic congestion can disrupt daily routines and cause delays that lead to frustration and stress. It also makes the task of driving more complicated and creates a safety risk. There’s a greater risk of a car accident that leaves drivers and passengers with serious injuries.
This year, the Florida Department of Transportation is working on four projects in the Tampa area designed to improve traffic and make the roads safer.
The Downtown Tampa Interchange project
The Downtown Tampa Interchange project aims to enhance safety and improve traffic flow at Tampa's I-275/I-4 interchange, commonly known as “malfunction junction.” Key objectives include reducing congestion, reducing the high number of accidents – nearly 1,000 each year – and accommodating increased traffic volumes. Planned improvements involve:
- Adding lanes to key ramps to increase capacity.
- Constructing new exit ramp bridges to streamline traffic movement.
- Widening existing lanes to meet modern standards.
Construction began in early 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2027.
The new Howard Frankland Bridge
This project will replace the aging northbound bridge, originally constructed in 1959, to enhance capacity and ease traffic congestion between Tampa and St. Petersburg. Key objectives of the project include:
- Increasing traffic capacity: The new bridge will feature four general-purpose lanes and two tolled express lanes in each direction, effectively doubling the number of lanes to accommodate growing traffic demands.
- Improving safety: Modern design standards and additional lanes are expected to reduce congestion-related accidents and enhance overall driver safety.
Construction began in early 2020, and the new bridge is expected to open to traffic in spring 2025, with the entire project completed by early 2026.
I-275 Capacity Improvement project
This project aims to enhance traffic flow and safety along a 2.5-mile segment of I-275 in Tampa, from north of I-4 to north of Hillsborough Avenue (US 92). Key objectives include:
- Increasing capacity: Adding one lane in each direction, expanding the interstate from three to four travel lanes per direction, to accommodate growing traffic volumes and reduce congestion.
- Enhancing safety: Constructing noise barrier walls along the corridor and installing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices to improve driver information and roadway safety.
- Improving infrastructure: Reconstructing overpasses between Floribraska Avenue and Hillsborough Avenue to provide wider sidewalks and better underdeck lighting, enhancing pedestrian safety and community connectivity.
Construction began on October 25, 2021, and the project is expected to be completed by summer 2025.
Tampa’s Westshore Interchange project
This project aims to enhance safety, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve connectivity at the intersection of I-275 and State Road 60, a critical hub in Tampa’s transportation network. Key objectives include:
- Enhancing safety: The project will address existing weaving and merging issues by replacing outdated loop ramps with modern flyover ramps, thereby reducing accident risks.
- Increasing capacity: By adding general-use and express lanes, the interchange will accommodate higher traffic volumes, improving flow and reducing congestion.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with completion anticipated by 2031 or 2032.
Traffic congestion increases the risk of accidents
When there is a steady stream of vehicles in close proximity traveling at high speeds, the risk of a serious accident increases. It only takes one driver who is engaged in:
- Aggressive driving – Drivers may become irritated, leading to aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, abrupt lane changes, or speeding.
- Distracted driving – Some drivers may take their eyes off the road to text, talk on the phone, adjust dashboard controls, or eat or drink.
- Drowsy driving – Drivers who are fatigued have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making it difficult to adjust if a car ahead changes lanes or brakes suddenly.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, call a Tampa car accident lawyer
A car accident can change your life in an instant. You can be left with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages if you are unable to work. If a negligent driver caused the crash that left you hurt, you deserve financial compensation.
However, the claims process can be complicated. Negligent drivers often deny doing anything wrong. Insurance companies use many different tactics designed to pay you as little as possible. They may offer you a settlement that falls far short of covering the damages you suffered. That’s why you need an experienced Tampa car accident attorney.
Our law firm has a proven track record of achieving significant results for our clients. For instance, in one case, we obtained a $500,000 settlement for a claim involving a car accident that resulted in back surgery.
To find out how we can help with your potential legal case, call Armando Personal Injury Law. We fight back against insurance companies to help you recover maximum compensation. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
" I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer. They are truly the very best in their field, and I am thankful to have had them by my side during this challenging time." — K.H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐