PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Drivers are eagerly awaiting the opening of the new Gateway Expressway this Friday — connecting U.S. Highway 19 and Interstate 275 for the growing Pinellas County community.
Made up of express lanes and two new toll roads, the expressway directly connects U.S. 19 and I-275 and the Bayside Bridge to I-275.
The goal of the project is to reduce traffic and improve commute times by 10 to 15 minutes by allowing drivers to avoid busy roads with traffic lights.
But before you get in the car to hop on the brand-new Gateway Expressway this week, make sure your SunPass is loaded. These new toll roads will only collect your payment electronically through the SunPass Prepaid Toll Program or TOLL-BY-PLATE.
Tolls on the new Gateway Expressway
SR 690: $0.86 — This four-lane road connects U.S. 19 to the west of I-275. The road was built in the median of 118th Avenue North.
SR 686A: $0.86 — This four-lane road runs from the Bayside Bridge to just west of I-275. Most of the road was built in the median of Roosevelt Boulevard and Ulmerton Road.
Express lanes: $0.50 — One express lane was added in each direction on I-275 from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North.
Drivers pay the toll rate that is displayed on the overhead sign when they enter the tolled express lane. Drivers who enter the express lanes without a SunPass are subject to a $25 daily violation charge. TOLL-BY-PLATE is not accepted for the express lanes.
WB Roosevelt Airport Bypass: $0.28 — Drivers who use the westbound bypass on SR 686A at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) will be charged a $0.28 toll.
The tolls won't kick in until May 3, once drivers get used to the new Gateway Expressway.