State Will Send $131 Million to Advance Gateway Express Project in Pinellas County

On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott announced the advancement of the Gateway Express project, which would serve as a direct connection from I-275 to US 19 and from I-275 to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport and the Bayside Bridge via an elevated tolled expressway.

As a result of investments in the Transportation Work Plan of more than $131 million in state funding, the Department of Transportation will be able to speed up the project allowing the road to open 20 years sooner than previously expected.

With this $131 million commitment we will be able to speed up this critical project," said Gov. Scott. "This will make roads safe, and allow families to spend more time together and less time sitting in traffic. The Gateway Express Project will also allow economic activity to continue to grow and develop in Pinellas County, which will create jobs and opportunities for Florida families.

An expressway could provide faster travel times and could also provide revenue to help cover future maintenance and operating costs.

A toll-free option will remain available on the existing road network and motorists will be able to travel from US 19 or from the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport to I-275 without stopping at any signals. According to a press release, the potential time savings is from nine to 13 minutes during the morning and afternoon commutes.

FDOT is partnering with Pinellas County on this project. Funding includes federal, state and Penny for Pinellas funds. The project, estimated to cost nearly $338 million, would start construction in early 2017.