TAMPA, Fla. — A critical access point to downtown Tampa is back in business. As of early Monday morning, January 19, the westbound I-4 ramp to Exit 45A (Downtown East-West) has reopened to traffic, restoring a key route into the city center just as the work week begins.
While the barricades are down, the traffic pattern has shifted, requiring drivers to pay close attention as they approach the Downtown Tampa Interchange.
New Lane Logistics
Getting onto the ramp now requires a specific approach. Drivers on westbound I-4 need to stick to the middle lane to catch the exit for 45A.
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Once on the ramp, traffic will merge with vehicles coming in from the southbound I-275 ramp. From there, a split decision determines where you end up in the city:
- For Downtown East (Jefferson Street): Stay to the left on the ramp.
- For Downtown West (Ashley Drive): Keep to the right at the fork.
Ongoing Construction
The reopening marks a step forward for the Downtown Tampa Interchange (I-275/I-4) Safety and Operational Improvements project, but the orange barrels aren’t disappearing just yet. Officials note that this shift allows crews to tackle the next phase of construction activities in the area.
Because the interchange remains an active work zone, drivers are urged to slow down and stay alert for sudden stops or lane shifts while navigating the new layout.
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