Page Five:  54 Av N, Exit 26

(Exits 26A-B for Northbound Travelers)

The third extension of Interstate 275 brought the highway from just south of Gandy Blvd. to a point just south of 50 Av N.  54 Av N was reconstructed as a four-lane road with a divided section from Haines Road to 16 St N.  Haines Road was realigned with 50 Av N to better serve the residents of the surrounding area.  Originally this exit was slated to be located at 62 Av N; however, traffic volume at the time when Interstate 275 was proposed did not justify an interchange at 62 Av N.  Instead, 54 Av N was selected.

54 Av N features a double exit northbound and double entrance southbound system, as well as a single entrance northbound and single exit southbound for a full service interchange.  Motorists headed westbound on 54 Av N can access Lealman (an unincorporated community sandwiched in between St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park) as well as Kenneth City.  On the other hand, motorists headed eastbound on 54 Av N can access the public school complex consisting of Sexton Elementary, Meadowlawn Middle and Northeast High.

Interstate 275 Southbound at Exit 26

Advance signage for Exit 26 coming up in one mile.  Notice the hospital sign mounted on the top left corner; this is for Northside Hospital and Tampa Bay Heart Institute which is reached by using 54 Av N westbound to 49 St N and northbound on 49 St N to the hospital is on the left at 58 Av N.

Destination signage for Lealman and Kenneth City.  Lealman is an unincorporated community north of St. Petersburg while Kenneth City (three miles west of Interstate 275) is an incorporated town.  Recently the Lealman Community Association has been working very hard to build a strong identity for this little community sandwiched between St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park.  In my opinion, it’s needed in order to fend off annexation attempts, primarily that from Pinellas Park which has already annexed bits and pieces of Lealman already.

54 Av N (Exit 26) is approaching in 1/2 mile.

Final opportunity for Exit 26.  Notice the ramp advisory speed of 40 mph.

Interstate 275 Northbound at Exit 26

Advance signage for Exits 26A-B coming up in one mile as we cross 38 Av N.  Notice the hospital sign as explained earlier in the southbound discussion.

Destination signage for Lealman and Kenneth City.

Intermediate signage for Exits 26A-B just ahead.  Notice the dedicated exit only lane.

Closeup of the intermediate signage for Exits 26A-B.

Final opportunity for Exit 26A, 54 Av N eastbound along with second intermediate signage for Exit 26B, 54 Av N westbound.  Those headed to Lealman, Kenneth City or Northside Hospital should use Exit 26B.

Final opportunity for Exit 26B, 54 Av N westbound.  Beware of the circular loop ramp and the 20 mph advisory speed if you exit here!  This exit somewhat reminds me of Exit 16 on Interstate 75 in Valdosta, GA (US 84).  Here is a closeup of this sign.

Northbound Interstate 275 reassurance shield just past Exit 26.

Perspective of Interstate 275 at 54 Av N

Looking at the intersection of 54 Av N at the southbound off ramp from Interstate 275.  This is looking east on 54 Av N.

Looking northbound at Interstate 275 from 54 Av N.

Looking northbound at the off ramp from northbound Interstate 275 to westbound 54 Av N from atop the 54 Av N overpass.  Notice why motorists have to slow to 20 mph due to the design of the ramp.

Closeup of the directional sign to St. Petersburg on 54 Av N westbound before the ramp merge from Interstate 275 northbound.  I believe this sign is erroneous as the sign should read Bradenton as we are already in St. Petersburg.