America's 75 worst commutes - #23, I-275 in Tampa (Brandon: construction, moving)

[Haai]

I was browsing some of the other forums and came across this:

America's 75 Worst Commutes - The Daily Beast

Something interesting to look at. I would have expected I-4 to be there, given all the traffic from the eastern parts of Hillsborough county. Then again, I've seen how congested 275 can get during rush hour. I still remember one particular monday afternoon, when I was on Himes avenue, just under the freeway - the traffic was going at like, 10 mph. I don't think I've ever seen traffic move so slowly.

They also mention something about SR 60 just outside of TIA, which makes sense given all the road construction in the area. Out of curiosity, when is the reconstruction project set to be finished?

[tilli]

Then again, I've seen how congested 275 can get during rush hour. I still remember one particular monday afternoon, when I was on Himes avenue, just under the freeway - the traffic was going at like, 10 mph. I don't think I've ever seen traffic move so slowly.

I've always wondered who these people are that commute on 275. The surface streets get you there faster and are relatively easy to navigate. I'd rather stop at regular stop lights than feel like I'm trapped in molasses on what should be a free-flowing interstate. I only use 275 late at night.

Out of curiosity, when is the reconstruction project set to be finished?

Who knows? It seems like they never finish any road projects unless they are trying to clean up for an upcoming Superbowl.

[ferret111]

Same here. I only use 275 at night and I rarely ever use 4 at all.

I use Florida, 40th, or Himes to go north and Kennedy, Hillsborough, or Bayshore to cut across.

In St. Pete, I use 9th or 34th Streets instead of the interstate.

[Tyryztoll]

It took until #22 to mention any place in Atlanta? I don't think so. This is why you can never take these lists seriously.

[Angler]

I use I-275 from St. Pete to I-4/I-75 every day.

In the morning , before 7:15- no traffic northbound- easy ride.

Afternoon- around 5 pm- congested between I-4 interchange and Dale Mabry, but rarely takes more than 15 minutes.

That being said, you can easily tell before the interchange how the traffic is moving and I will get off I-4 and head through downtown if it's backed up.

If it's backed up past the interchange, get off in Ybor and take the crosstown or go through downtown.

[The716]

Originally Posted by Angler

I use I-275 from St. Pete to I-4/I-75 every day.

In the morning , before 7:15- no traffic northbound- easy ride.

Afternoon- around 5 pm- congested between I-4 interchange and Dale Mabry, but rarely takes more than 15 minutes.

That being said, you can easily tell before the interchange how the traffic is moving and I will get off I-4 and head through downtown if it's backed up.

If it's backed up past the interchange, get off in Ybor and take the crosstown or go through downtown.

No matter the toll you pay on the crosstown it saves you gas and frustration... as well as time. The easy ticket if you have to go to Tampa or Brandon...

[thekub]

I drove on #2 for a while and can say it was very rough.

[jdvalle]

I don't know. I hear a lot of comlpaining about 275, but I only ever really had a problem in the immediate vicinity mentioned by that list (right around the airport/Dal Mabry exits). The straight North-South section is really not that bad. Lucky for me, I get on the downtown ramp and off on Fowler. Never really had a problem. But I guess I'd do a lot of coplaining too if I had to drive through that east-west section everyday.