The Boulevard

I-275 is expendable. It no longer serves its intended purpose and the community would be better without it. Urban interstates like it across the country have largely outlived their use as regional connectors and are now overwrought with congested local commuters better suited for transit and local systems. Those who do use I-275 regionally are provided several alternatives that, in addition to having almost limitless room for expansion, share almost entirely the same exits and, despite being further geographically, are often only minutes difference in travel time. Expanding I-275 is a costly and ceaseless proposition that would only increase the amount of congestion.

I-275 is better as a boulevard. It’s better because reducing capacity will reduce congestion while returning local trips to local routes. As part of a comprehensive system, replacing I-275 with a boulevard will not only provide new transit options, but increase access connectivity to other alternatives and existing routes. That transit system will encourage transit-oriented development, accommodating growth in smarter and less auto-centric ways. Not having I-275 means no downtown interchange; the only true solution for malfunction junction is not having one. Tampa’s best future is one without I-275.