Gateway Expressway Toll Roads, I-275 Express Lanes Opening Soon: FDOT

TAMPA BAY, FL — Two new toll roads directly connecting U.S. 19 and Interstate 275 and two new I-275 express lanes constructed as part of the Gateway Expressway project will open to drivers Friday afternoon, the Florida Department of Transportation said.

“The opening will bring congestion relief and travel route options to thousands of Tampa Bay area drivers,” the agency said.

State Road 690 is a new four-lane toll expressway connection from U.S. 19 to west of I-275.

It was built in the median of the existing 118th Avenue North and is elevated over portions of 118th Avenue North, 49th Street North, 47th Street North, 43rd Street North, 34th Street North, the ramp at 31st Court North, and 28th Street North.

A second four-lane toll expressway, State Road 686A, runs from the Bayside Bridge to just west of I-275, FDOT said.

This road was primarily built in the median of Roosevelt Boulevard between the Bayside Bridge and Ulmerton Road and continues south through the old Sunshine Speedway property until it merges with S.R. 690. This project also includes an interchange at Ulmerton Road.

The Gateway Expressway project also saw the construction of new express lanes on I-275. The interstate has been widened to create express tolled lanes — one in each direction — from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North, FDOT said. The new lanes were built in the median next to I-275’s general purpose, non-toll lanes.

“Express lanes are a congestion management tool used in urban areas to ease congestion, improve traffic flow and give drivers travel options,” according to the agency.

The agency has created 15 short animated videos offering tours of the new roads here.