The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has conducted a PD&E study, from south of US 301 to north of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Hillsborough County, to evaluate alternatives that improve the operational capacity of I-75. Currently, I-75 within the project limits is a 6-lane limited access facility with auxiliary lanes in each direction at various locations.
Study Purpose and Need
The purpose for the project is to evaluate alternatives to address the corridor’s capacity and relieve congestion. These improvements are expected to enhance the overall safety and improve the operating conditions of the facility within the project limits.
I-75 is a south-north interstate highway that is a major trade and tourism corridor. I-75 is part of the highway network that provides access to regional intermodal facilities such as several general aviation airports, MacDill Air Force Base, several seaports, transit stations, cruise ship terminals and major CSX intermodal rail facilities. It is part of the SIS and is a vital link in the transportation network that connects the Tampa Bay region to the remainder of the state and the nation.
I-75 is a critical evacuation route as shown on the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s evacuation route network. Improvements to I-75 will improve evacuation efforts, when needed, will enhance access to activity centers in the area, and movement of goods and freight in the greater Tampa Bay region. Statewide and regional transportation plans and studies by FDOT and the Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) identify the need for interstate improvements.
Proposed Improvements
The Preferred Build Alternative includes adding two Express Lanes (ELs) in each direction within the existing I-75 median throughout the project limits. The project will also include operational improvements at the interchanges. Improvements would be constructed on the existing alignment. Right of way will be needed for some interchange improvements, stormwater management facilities (ponds for water retention), and floodplain compensation sites.
The Preferred Build Typical Section includes three 12-foot General Use Lanes (GULs), with a 12-foot auxiliary lane at various locations, in each direction. Inside shoulders will be 12 to 15-feet wide with outside shoulders being 12-feet wide. Adjacent to the GULs, within the median, will be two 12-foot ELs. The ELs will be separated from the GULs by a 4-foot buffer. A 2-foot concrete barrier will separate the two directions of travel.
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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study to consider proposed improvements on Interstate 75 (I-75) (State Road 93A) in Hillsborough County. A map detailing the limits of the project is shown below. This project (shaded green on the map) extends approximately 18.0 miles from south of US 301 to north of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (County Road 581). I-75 passes through the communities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Mango, and Palm River-Clair Mel. The primary land use along the corridor is suburban residential with some scattered commercial areas.
Study Purpose and Need
The purpose for this project is to provide a higher capacity and a safer facility to better meet the future transportation demand in the rapidly developing areas of Hillsborough County. I-75 is part of the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS). Preserving the operational integrity and regional functionality of I-75 is critical to mobility in this region. Future traffic demand along this stretch of I-75 is anticipated to increase by about 50 percent by the year 2045. This anticipated traffic growth and high levels of congestion create a need to analyze the corridor for necessary improvements to ensure it continues to operate efficiently and safely. This corridor is also designated as an emergency evacuation route.
Proposed Improvements
The FDOT is conducting this PD&E study to evaluate alternatives that improve the operational capacity of I-75. Currently I-75 is a six-lane limited access facility. The preferred alternative for the northern study includes three 12-foot General Use Lanes (GULs) with auxiliary lanes, in each direction. Inside and outside shoulders will be 12-15 feet wide. Adjacent to the GULs, within the median, two 12-foot Express Lanes (ELs) with 12-foot inside and outside shoulders will be included in each direction. The ELs will be separated from the GULs by a 6-foot wide striped and delineated buffer. Most of this widening will be done to the inside of the existing lanes with right-of-way required for interchange improvements.–>
