I-275 at I-4/I-275 from Rome Ave to MLK Jr Blvd; I-4 from I-275 to Selmon Expy Connector

American is performing a project development and environment (PD&E) design change re-evaluation of the original I-275/I-4 Interchange portion of the Tampa Interstate Study (TIS) final environmental impact statement (FEIS). The project is located in central Hillsborough County and is a combined distance of approximately 4.29 miles in length. The limits are I-275 from Rome Avenue to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and I-4 from I-275 through the Selmon Expressway Connector and to 50th Street. The project objective is to update the approved FEIS and advance the integration with some type of transit along with pedestrian and bicycle connections and design of proposed Tampa Bay (TB) Next express lanes and ingress/egress points. Other proposed improvements from the approved PD&E study, such as managed lanes, traffic management systems, and other transportation enhancements will be constructed as part of a future project phase. These improvements are needed to address future growth and development projected in the region, enhance hurricane and emergency evacuation response, and improve system connectivity. This study is being conducted based on a proposed design change to accommodate express lanes and other mobility improvements.

The project’s public outreach and engagement strategy has evolved into a very focused community based effort. American has participated and/or supported the public outreach program, which has included community engagement charrettes and meetings in Tampa Heights, Old Seminole Heights, Southeast Seminole Height, Ybor Heights, VM Ybor, Historic Ybor, East Historic Ybor, and Downtown Tampa. The project has a robust and broad public outreach plan every step of the way during the development, planning and implementation of TB Next. This outreach plan is strategic, collaborative, and inclusive. Coordination has been with USF Florida Center for Community Design and Research Community Engagement meetings, and community requests. Stakeholder coordination provided to local, state, and federal agencies, and FDOT with an effective means of working together to increase compliance and streamline the project delivery process. A core team of agency representatives from HART, Planning Commission, City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and FDOT has been developed to participate in the engagement meetings. Additional meetings have been held with City of Tampa Architectural Review Committee, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Barrio Latino Commission.