Crosstown commute to get tricky

[HARTride 2012]

Crosstown commute to get tricky
Sunday, September 9, 2007


Crosstown road repair map

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Lane closures and delays are both included in a new project to repair three Crosstown Expressway bridges.

The road work involves replacing surface panels on the three bridges that have deteriorated from three decades of commuter traffic.

Expressway Authority spokesperson Sue Chrzan said the existing panels aren't a danger to vehicles. But the old layered design allowed water to seep in and accelerate decay.

"This has been done on I-75 and 275 across the state," Chrzan said. "Basically what they're doing on the bridges is they're taking out the deck panels and pouring new deck panels. Before, it was poured in two phases and water got in and that kind of ruined it. This time they're pouring one, thicker piece."

The three bridges are just west of the main toll plaza. They pass over 50th Street, Maydell Drive and a CSX railroad track in between.

The bridges will be reduced to one travel lane while the work is being done.

To speed up the process crews will be working on both the eastbound and westbound lanes on all three bridges at the same time. Construction work is expected to last about eight months.

Chrzan said the best way for commuters to avoid the road work will be to use the elevated reversible lanes bridge that won't be affected.

"Now with the reversible lanes, hopefully we can get the people up on the reversible lanes so there won't be such a tie-up," Chrzan said.

The contract has been awarded and design preparations are underway. Work should begin early next month.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will oversee construction on the $6.3 million bridge repair project. The work will also affect traffic on 50th Street and Maydell Drive at certain times.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2...+to+get+tricky

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In short people; if you have a SunPass or Toll-by-Plate Account, USE THE UPPER DECK! Sorry if you don't have either or use the X-town to get to/from MacDill.