The Gateway Express project was developed to solve transportation issues in Pinellas County. After several projects were abandoned in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the county was left without any major limited-access thoroughfares except for I-275. The Gateway Express project has long been a priority for Pinellas County.
The Gateway Expressway is comprised of six separate projects that are intended to make driving in and around Pinellas County safer and more convenient.
The overall project has been in development for 16 years and includes the following components:
A four-lane elevated tolled expressway that would provide a direct connection from I-275 to U.S. 19 and from I-275 to U.S. 19 and from I-275 to PIE and Bayside Bridge.
The project will also open up the option for a future light rail corridor on South Ulmerton Road which will require an updated communications system.
The Gateway Project is expected to move Tampa into the 21st century and help reduce congestion and traveling time for everyone. Express lanes offer reliable travel times for drivers who are in a hurry and cannot afford to be stuck in traffic.
Areas most affected by the project will include:
Cities all across Florida and the U.S. have successfully mitigated traffic congestion by opening express lanes. For example, Miami has been operating express lanes for close to five years and has seen drivers reaching 50 mph even during rush hour. Nationally, cities such as Houston, Atlanta and Washington D.C. have also seen great success by adding express lanes.
To learn more about the Gateway Express project, visit the Tampa Bay Express website.