Construction Begins on Tampa's $1B Westshore Interchange Project

The years-long project aims to expand and improve congestion in one of the area's most heavily traveled areas.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Construction has begun on the Florida Department of Transportation's Tampa Westshore Interchange project, which is estimated to cost $1 billion. The project, which has been in the planning phase for years, aims to expand and improve congestion in one of the Tampa area's most heavily traveled areas by adding additional lanes and express lanes in all directions.

Why it matters

The Tampa Westshore Interchange is a major traffic hub, connecting I-275 to the Howard Frankland Bridge and State Road 60/Kennedy Boulevard. Relieving congestion in this area is crucial for improving traffic flow and accessibility in the region.

The details

The first phase of the project will focus largely on the west side of the interchange for I-275, including work on drainage, Lemon Street, and Reo Street. A new bridge will be built over I-275 at Reo Street, and there will be a connection under I-275 at Trask Street to allow north-south crossings. When completed, the project will add additional lanes and two express lanes in all directions.

  • Construction on the project began in January 2026.
  • The first phase of the larger project is expected to be completed in 2030.
  • Additional phases of the project are planned for 2030 and 2032.

The players

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

The state agency overseeing the Tampa Westshore Interchange project.

Zachary Stringer

The special projects construction manager with FDOT.

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What they’re saying

“It's a major point of congestion right now for folks coming down the Veterans [Expressway] from Pasco and Hernando, people coming across the Howard Frankland from Pinellas, and people coming across town from Hillsborough and the city of Tampa.”

— Zachary Stringer, Special Projects Construction Manager, FDOT (fox13news.com)

“What we're doing is increasing capacity. We're going to help eliminate some of the weaves that people make currently by allowing drivers to make decisions on what roads they're going to be taking earlier.”

— Zachary Stringer, Special Projects Construction Manager, FDOT (fox13news.com)

What’s next

Stringer says there are additional phases of the project in the planning stage, including a continuation of I-275 construction east of the interchange and more work up State Road 60 north of the interchange. Funding is in place for these additional phases in 2030 and 2032.

The takeaway

The Tampa Westshore Interchange project is a crucial infrastructure investment to relieve traffic congestion in one of the region's most heavily traveled areas, improving accessibility and connectivity for drivers across the Tampa Bay area.