This browser does not support the Video element.
Changes coming to Westshore Interchange in 2025
FOX 13's Briona Arradondo explains a new construction the Florida Department of Transportation is about to begin on the Westshore Interchange, one of the worst bottlenecks on I-275.
TAMPA, Fla. - It’s hard to drive without seeing construction zones around Tampa Bay, and the Florida Department of Transportation will begin construction on the Westshore interchange in Tampa in 2025.
FDOT imploded a hotel in 2023 to accommodate what’s coming this year.
Hotel falling as FDOT imploded it in 2023 to make room for changes to the Westshore Interchange.
"We're reconstructing the Tampa Westshore interchange, which is where State Road 60 and I-275 converge," said Zachary Stringer, a construction manager for special projects for FDOT Tampa.
The area connects I-275 drivers to the Howard Frankland Bridge and State Road 60 or Kennedy Boulevard by the mall, and the project hopes to relieve traffic in the future.
READ: New Howard Frankland Bridge to open in Spring 2025 after reaching major milestone
"Right now, there are some choke points, specifically a loop ramp for people coming down 60 and getting onto 75 north. We're getting rid of that," said Stringer.
In the early months of 2025, drivers won’t see much work.
Map view of where the expected changes to the Westshore Interchange will take place.
"We're doing some drainage improvements on Lemon Street. You'll see us on the south side of the interchange building some drainage as well," said Stringer.
Then, later in the year, the area will kick into high gear.
"You have some widening on 275 itself and 275 will be elevated on retaining wall and then Occident, which is the road right by where we are that crosses over to Westshore Plaza," said Stringer at the site. "Occident will now connect underneath 275, so you'll have a connection from the north to the south."
Renderings of the expected changes on the Westshore Interchange.
The Westshore interchange brings two new express lanes on I-275, a wider State Road 60 as drivers pass the mall, and a new flyover ramp from the Howard Frankland Bridge to 60 West heading to the airport.
"When it comes across the Howard Frankland Bridge, they will be coming across new construction into a construction zone," said Stringer. "So, we just ask that people be mindful when they're leaving the Howard Franklin Bridge that they slow down and pay attention."
It’s expected to double the number of cars that can move through and make it safer.
"It also eliminates some of the dangerous weaves that are happening from people that are coming up Howard Frankland heading north on 275. Their decisions will be made earlier and easier," said Stringer.
Renderings of the expected changes on the Westshore Interchange.
There’s no price tag yet as it remains in the design phase, but FDOT hopes the dollars spent will bring relief on the roads.
"It's needed for all three counties. So Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough all want this," said Stringer.
The project will also add a new on-ramp from Reo Street to southbound I-275, and it will reconnect three local roadways at Reo Street, Occident Street, and Trask Street to help improve local traffic circulation.
FDOT said there would also be a shared-use path connectivity to the existing trail network and the new shared-use path currently under construction as part of the Howard Frankland Bridge project.
Renderings of the expected changes on the Westshore Interchange.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
- Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
- Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android
- Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
- Download the SkyTower Radar app
- Sign up for FOX 13’s daily newsletter