Motorists in Pinellas County should prepare for overnight lane closures as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) continues progress on the Gateway Expressway project. These closures, necessary for ongoing construction activities, will affect several major roadways from Sunday, March 2nd, through Friday, March 7th.
The closures are scheduled nightly and will impact sections of Interstate 275 (I-275), US Highway 19 (US 19), State Road 686 (SR 686 – Roosevelt Boulevard), State Road 688 (SR 688 – Ulmerton Road), County Road 296 (CR 296 – 118th Avenue N.), and County Road 611 (CR 611 – 49th Street). Drivers are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for potential delays, especially during the affected nighttime hours.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the locations and times for the scheduled lane closures:
- I-275: From Roosevelt Boulevard (Exit 30) to 4th Street N. (Exit 32), motorists will encounter lane closures nightly between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- US 19: Closures will be in place from 110th Avenue N. to 126th Avenue N. on both the main highway and the frontage roads. US 19 frontage road lanes will close from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., while the main US 19 lanes will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- SR 686A Toll Road: Expect single-lane closures from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly.
- SR 686 (Roosevelt Boulevard): Lane closures are scheduled from 49th Street N. to SR 688 (Ulmerton Road), including entrance and exit ramps at CR 611 (Bayside Bridge). These closures will occur nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- SR 688 (Ulmerton Road): From 34th Street to 49th Street N., drivers will experience lane closures between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. nightly.
- SR 690 Toll Road: Single-lane closures are scheduled nightly from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- CR 296 (118th Avenue N.): Two sections of CR 296 will be affected. From US 19 to 28th Street N., closures are from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and from 31st Street N. to 49th Street N., closures begin earlier at 8 p.m. and last until 5 a.m.
- CR 611 (49th Street): Between 145th Avenue and Bayside Bridge, lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly.
These temporary road closures are essential for the ongoing Gateway Expressway project, a significant initiative by the Florida Department of Transportation to improve traffic flow and enhance transportation infrastructure in the region. FDOT appreciates motorists’ patience and cooperation as they work to complete these vital improvements. Drivers are urged to remain alert and follow posted signage in the construction zones.
