Tampa, FL -- The Florida Department of Transportation is studying the new northbound Interstate 275 alignment into Tampa after major traffic delays this week.
FDOT shifted traffic Tuesday onto new lanes on northbound I-275 near Dale Mabry Highway. Since the shift, traffic has been so slow that the Howard Frankland Bridge is backing up into St. Petersburg during rush hour.
Drivers report their commute is taking up to 20 minutes longer.
"It's frustrating. I'm always at least 15 to 20 minutes late," said Marissa Millis.
Lanes are now straighter across the bridge over Dale Mabry Highway. Two of the three lanes, however, have been reduced in width and traffic is now traveling closely to new barrier walls. Many drivers believe the new alignment is the cause of the increased congestion.
"They need to re-think everything. They need to look at it over again with what they've done. I think they still need to make changes," said Millis.
Typically, it takes a few days for drivers to get used to a traffic shift. FDOT is studying the traffic flow and considering solutions if the congestion does not ease up. Unfortunately, there is not much more permanent pavement to utilize through the work zone.
In six to nine weeks, a fourth northbound lane will open and all lanes will be back to a 12-foot width. The merge lanes at the Dale Mabry Highway and Himes Avenue entrance ramps will also get longer. If FDOT cannot come up with a temporary solution to the current congestion issues, continue to plan extra time during your morning and evening commutes.
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