Tampa Bay Next Program

Tampa Bay Next is FDOT District Seven’s interstate modernization program that is transforming Tampa Bay’s transportation infrastructure to prepare for the future. The program consists of multiple projects that span across the interstate network (Interstates 4, 275 and 75) in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

While express lanes are being implemented or are planned across most of the interstate system, significant public input has been incorporated to shape different improvements in different communities. Express lane projects will provide the growing region with additional capacity, help relieve congestion and provide a more reliable travel time option for passenger and transit vehicles. In addition, projects are addressing safety and traffic operations as well as incorporating additional elements such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities, aesthetic treatments, transit accommodations, and local street reconnections to improve more than just interstates.

VIEW THE TAMPA BAY NEXT PROGRAM MAP

 

Interstate 275 Pinellas Corridor and Gateway Expressway

I-275 is a vital link for both the local and regional transportation network and serves as a critical evacuation route in Pinellas County. As a major north-south corridor, I-275 links the Tampa Bay region with the remainder of Florida and the nation, supporting commerce, trade, and tourism.

Interstate 275 Widening from north of 38th Avenue N to north of 4th Street N (Current Improvements)

The current improvements are widening I-275 to add two tolled express lanes in each direction from north of 38th Avenue N to south of Gandy Boulevard, and one additional tolled express lane in each direction (for a total of two) from south of Gandy Boulevard to north of 4th Street N. Lane continuity improvements along the corridor will provide continuous travel lanes for travelers. Modifications to interchanges at 38th Avenue N, 54th Avenue N, Gandy Boulevard, and Roosevelt Boulevard will help improve traffic operations for travelers entering and exiting the interstate. Additionally, a shared use path is being constructed along the north side of Ulmerton Road from Fountain Parkway N to west of I-275 that will allow users to connect to the existing trail network.

Learn more about construction activities:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/920/449109-1-52-01-444243-1-52-01

Interstate 275 Widening and Lane Continuity Improvements (Future Improvements)

Future improvements are planned along I-275 to the south that include improving lane continuity from south of 54th Street S to 38th Avenue N to provide continuous travel lanes for travelers. Additionally, the express lane network is planned to extend south to north of I-375. A future project will construct two tolled express lanes in each direction from north of I-375 to 38th Avenue N and will tie into the region’s express lane network.

For information about projects in design, visit:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/921/449109-2-52-01
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/922/424501-7-52-01 

 

Howard Frankland Bridge Reconstruction

The new Howard Frankland Bridge opened its new general use lanes to traffic in spring 2025 and the express lanes in summer 2026. The original bridge was constructed in 1959, and in 1991 a second bridge structure was constructed across Tampa Bay to provide needed capacity.

The recently constructed new bridge structure now provides drivers with four southbound general use lanes and two express lanes in each direction and includes a bike/pedestrian shared use path that ties into the trail network on each side of the bridge. The original bridge 1959 has been removed, and the bridge constructed in 1991 was modified and now accommodates northbound general use traffic.

The new bridge design improves incident management in emergency response situations and provides additional capacity along a critical evacuation route. Additionally, portion of the new bridge can hold additional weight to accommodate potential future transit, up to a light rail transit system.

Learn more about construction activities:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/417/422904-2-52-01

 

Tampa’s Westshore Interchange Reconstruction

Tampa’s Westshore Interchange is where economic, employment and entertainment activities converge. FDOT has previously completed smaller projects along the interstate and local roadways to support mobility during heavy interstate construction. Previously completed improvements include the addition of a new lane along westbound State Route 60 from the George J. Bean Parkway ramp to the Courtney Campbell Causeway and a new flyover ramp to Independence Parkway. Reo Street was widened to a four-lane road from Cypress Street to Gray Street and the intersection at Cypress Street and LaSalle Street was widened, realigned and resurfaced. Additionally, a seawall and shared-use path were constructed along the northside of I-275 between Reo Street and the Howard Frankland Bridge.

The most recent project underway is Tampa’s Westshore Interchange reconstruction project which began construction in early 2026. This project will reconstruct the interchange with a modern design with flyover ramps and added capacity with general use and express lanes to provide better traffic operations and improve safety.

Learn more about current construction activities:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/967/447107-2-32-447107-2-52-447107-3-52-447107-4-52

Learn more about previously completed projects:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/875/447534-1-52-01 
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/842/447614-1-52-01 
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/781/447615-1-52-01 
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/841/447107-1-52-01

 

Interstate 275 Corridor Connecting Westshore And Downtown Tampa

This segment of the I-275 connects the Westshore and Downtown Tampa business districts. The planned improvements include adding two tolled express lanes in the median with connectivity to and from downtown Tampa. Express lane access is also planned at Himes Avenue. The improvements will tie into Tampa’s Westshore Interchange improvements being completed to the west. The planned improvements will preserve a 44-foot median to support future transit operations along I-275 from east of Lois Avenue to east of Rome Avenue.

 

Downtown Tampa Interchange

The current improvements will enhance the safety and operations for drivers within the interchange and along I-275 and I-4. The project is also constructing connections to the existing trail network, enhancing underpasses, adding landscaping and creating three community spaces with amenities like dog parks, benches, pickleball courts and trees. Additional improvements include:

Southbound Interstate 275 to Eastbound Interstate 4

• Providing a two-lane exit and constructing a new exit ramp bridge (to the inside of the interchange) from southbound I-275 to eastbound I-4
• Changing the eastbound exit ramp from I-4 to Ybor City by relocating access to14th/15th Streets from 21st/ 22nd Streets
• Widening 13th Avenue to two lanes

Westbound Interstate 4 to Northbound Interstate 275

• Widening the ramp from westbound I-4 to northbound I-275 from one to two lanes
• Adding an additional merge lane on northbound I-275 between I-4 and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exit

Westbound Interstate 4 to Southbound Interstate 275

• Widening ramp from westbound I-4 to southbound I-275 from two to three lanes
• Widening the shoulders on southbound I-275 between Palm Avenue and Jefferson Street
• Shifting the exit ramp from southbound I-275 into downtown Tampa to the west

An auxiliary lane is under construction along the inside of eastbound I-4 near the median from 15th Street to west of 25th Street. Additional improvements include widening the eastbound bridge over 21st/22nd Streets, constructing retaining walls, installing new LED lighting, signing and pavement markings, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)​.

Learn more about construction activities:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/839/445057-1-52-01
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/1139/445057-2

 

Interstate 275 N Of Downtown Tampa

In March 2025, FDOT completed a project along I-275 from the I-4/ I-275 Interchange to north of Hillsborough Avenue that added one general use lane in each direction, constructed sound barriers, and integrated opportunities for transit. Future improvements to the north include adding one general use lane in each direction from north of Hillsborough Avenue to north of Bearss Avenue and reconstructing the interchange at I-275 and Bearss Avenue.

Learn more about the recently completed and future planned improvements:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/706/431821-2-52-01-443770-1-52-01 
https://www.fdotd7studies.com/projects/i275-mlk-to-bearss/

 

Interstate 4 Corridor

FDOT plans to widen seventeen (17) miles of I-4 along the median and add one buffer separated express lane in each direction from I-75 to west of Polk Parkway. Bridges along the corridor will be widened to accommodate the new lanes. Improvements also include constructing retaining walls and noise barriers, and adding tolling equipment, signage, pavement markings and ITS.

For information about this project in design, visit:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/1164/456967-1-52-01

 

Interstate 75 Corridor

Today, I-75 generally has six travel lanes (three northbound and three southbound), and is a major corridor that serves intrastate travel and evacuation needs along Florida’s west coast. The corridor also supports commuting, trade and tourism activities within the Tampa Bay region. Traffic congestion experienced along segments of the corridor is expected to worsen and improvements will be necessary to ensure I-75 operates efficiently and meets regional mobility needs.

FDOT plans to widen the I-75 corridor approximately forty-one (41) miles from Moccasin Wallow Road to north of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and add two express lanes in each direction within the median. The improvements will relieve traffic congestion on I-75, improve safety and emergency evacuation, and reduce emergency response time.

Additionally, improvements are planned at I-75 and Gibsonton Drive to modify the existing interchange to a diverging diamond interchange.

Learn more about the completed projects:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/420/424513-3-52-01
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/287/429251-1-52-01

Learn more about planned improvements:
https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/972/437650-2-52-01
https://www.fdotd7studies.com/projects/i75/