TAMPA, Fla. — Concerned residents gathered at Hillsborough's Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting to voice their opinion on the county's proposal to widen I-275 in Tampa.

The proposed changes centered around widening I-275 from downtown Tampa to the Bearss Avenue exit. Residents in the area, including those living in Tampa Heights, attended Tuesday night's meeting to speak out against the proposed changes.

What project supporters say will/won’t happen if approved. pic.twitter.com/I4wQk6yRX3 — Ryan Smith (@RyanReports) June 11, 2019

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the proposed changes will add one general use lane in each direction, improve operations at Hillsborough Avenue and Bearss Avenue, improve connectivity to 13 underpasses, accommodate potential transit opportunities and include sound walls where feasible.

FDOT

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In the same presentation, FDOT said the project will not acquire Right of Way from north of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (State Route 574) to north of Bearss Avenue and will not acquire Right of Way in the Seminole Heights Historic District.

Despite residents voicing their concerns, county leaders approved FDOT's plan, which will allow them to continue with their I-275 widening proposal.

According to FDOT, I-275 carries approximately 170,000 vehicles per day. For perspective, that would be Hillsborough Avenue, Dale Mabry Highway and Brandon Boulevard combined.

