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Tampa, FL - The Florida Department of Transportation announced a major closure on I-275 in the Downtown Interchange area set for early October, which will affect both northbound and southbound lanes.
All northbound lanes and all but one southbound lane will be closed from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, October 4th, through 5 a.m. Monday, October 6th.
The closure is part of the Downtown Interchange improvement project, during which contractors will install girders for a new two-lane bridge connecting southbound I-275 to eastbound I-4.
Andrew Williams, Senior Construction Project Manager with FDOT, said signs and detours will be in place, but drivers should expect heavier than normal weekend congestion.
Northbound I-275 motorists from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday should follow I-4, or take Exit 45B, then Exit 3, turn right on Columbus Drive, left onto US 41, left on Hillsborough Avenue, and continue west to re-enter northbound I-275.
Southbound traffic will be limited to a single lane from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard through the interchange.
Drivers can use Exit 45A and a temporary ramp to access southbound I-275.
Those needing downtown East-West access should exit at 46A, turn right on Floribraska Avenue, left on Tampa Street, and proceed to downtown streets.
The southbound ramp to eastbound I-4 will remain open.
Westbound I-4 motorists needing southbound I-275 or downtown access on Saturday should take the northbound I-275 ramp, exit at 46B, turn left onto SR 574, then left on Tampa Street to reach southbound I-275.
FDOT advises drivers to anticipate delays, plan alternate routes, and follow posted detours during the closure.