HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Getting through Downtown Tampa during rush hour, or really any time of day can be painstaking for drivers.
It’s why the intersection of Interstate-275 and Interstate-4 is known as “Malfunction Junction.”
On Wednesday, Hillsborough County transportation leaders approved a plan that looks to improve the notorious intersection by acquiring the “right of way” on seven parcels of land throughout Downtown Tampa.
The cost for this portion of the project is more than $2.5 million and is part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s, Tampa Bay Next Project.
One proposed way to alleviate traffic near the downtown interchange includes creating a two-lane ramp connection to the I-275 southbound exit to I-4.
FDOT says this portion of the plan will create a more than 20-percent crash reduction along southbound I-275 to eastbound I-4.
It will also create a 35-percent crash reduction on I-4 between the eastbound flyover ramp and 21st/22nd Street exit ramp by adding additional access points in Ybor City.
Critics of the project say continued work to the interstates will further displace several ethnic and urban communities.
In a roll call vote, Hillsborough County Commissioners approved the measure 13 to 1.
FDOT reported more than 500 crashes at the interchange in 2012 and more than 1,000 in 2018.
The right of way project will include plans to build noise walls along the corridor, improve landscaping and lighting. Better walking and biking access through the entranceways to Ybor City is also included in the project's plans.
For now, the project is still in the planning phase, construction isn’t expected to start for at least another four years.
What other people are reading right now:
- Gov. DeSantis declares state of emergency over cyberattack targeting Colonial Pipeline
- Are there any gas shortages in my area?
- Doctors recommend 'smell training' for COVID-19 related loss of taste, smell
- Make checking your insurance coverage part of your hurricane preparedness plan
- DA to seek death penalty, hate crime charges against 22-year-old arrested for Atlanta-area spa shootings
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter