ST. PETERSBURG — Two ramps at the Interstate 275 and 54th Avenue North interchange are scheduled to close for several months beginning Thursday night, April 9, as part of a widening project in north St. Petersburg.
The closures include the southbound Interstate 275 Exit 26 ramp to 54th Avenue North and the westbound 54th Avenue North entrance ramp onto southbound I-275.
Transportation officials said the ramps will be closed for reconstruction through approximately summer or fall 2026. The work is part of the broader I-275 widening project between 38th Avenue North and 4th Street North.
Detours will be in place during the closures:
For drivers traveling southbound on I-275 attempting to exit at 54th Avenue North, motorists will continue past Exit 26 and take Exit 25 at 38th Avenue North. From there, drivers will turn right onto 38th Avenue North, then right onto U.S. 19 (34th Street North), and proceed north to 54th Avenue North.
For drivers traveling westbound on 54th Avenue North seeking to enter southbound I-275, motorists will continue west past the closed entrance ramp, turn left onto U.S. 19 (34th Street North), head south, then turn left onto 38th Avenue North and proceed east to access the interstate.
Drivers are advised to allow additional travel time while the detours are in place. The closures are expected to remain in effect for several months as construction progresses on the corridor.
Project Benefits
- The additional capacity will help reduce congestion along a critical evacuation route
- The express lane network will be extended south towards St. Petersburg, providing users improved connectivity to Tampa (with the Gateway Expressway, Howard Frankland Bridge and Tampa’s Westshore Interchange projects)
- Express lanes provide drivers with an alternative and reliable travel option
- Transit vehicles can use the express lanes, providing more reliable travel times for passengers
- Lane continuity improvements (traveling in one lane through the corridor) will enhance safety and traffic operations along the corridor
- Noise barriers (where approved for construction) will help lessen roadway noise
- The new shared use path will provide enhanced mobility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists along Ulmerton Road and will connect to the shared use path under construction as part of the Howard Frankland Bridge project, expanding non-motorized connectivity across Tampa Bay
- The improvements along the corridor will support economic vitality by improving connectivity for both people and goods
For project information and to sign up for email alerts, visit https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/920/449109-1-52-01-444243-1-52-01.