Federal grant will allow Tampa to rework downtown connectivity

Tampa will use funds from a $5.35 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade the Ashley Drive interchange as you enter the city’s downtown.

The project is designed to bring the Ashley Drive exit off of Interstate 275 to ground level and connect city neighborhoods to downtown.

According to the city, the existing set up cuts off the street grid and makes it more difficult for cyclists and pedestrians to get around. By making the changes, the traffic on Ashley Drive will slow down, “improving the walk/bike environment and better transitioning drivers from I-275 into downtown Tampa.”