Page Eight:  Interstate 175 (Exit 22)

The sixth segment of Interstate 275 brought the highway south over 1 Av N, Central Avenue and 1 Av S and to the second connector to downtown St. Petersburg, Interstate 175.  Constructed in stages with the principal segments built in 1977 to the last segment built along with the Interstate 275 segment from 5 Av S to east of 28 St S in 1979, the highway was built as a overpass viaduct due to the numerous side streets as well as the three principal St. Petersburg east-west streets, 1 Av N, Central Avenue and 1 Av S, not to mention a railroad spur soon to become an extension of the Pinellas Trail if all goes as planned.

Interstate 175 takes motorists to Tropicana Field as well as the two major hospitals (Bayfront Medical Center and All Children's Hospital), the University of South Florida's St. Petersburg Campus and the Mahaffey Theater.  More on Interstate 175 is covered in a separate page which can be accessed by clicking on the Interstate 175 link below.

Interstate 275 Southbound at Exit 22

Advance signage for Interstate 175 coming up in 1/2 mile.  The H sign to the right of the Exit 22 tab indicates that Bayfront and All Children's is reached at this exit.

More advance signage for Interstate 175 which is just ahead.  Notice that you have to be in the left lane to exit just like Interstate 375 according to the diagrammatic on the sign.

Final opportunity to exit onto Interstate 175 eastbound.  Notice the control city for Interstate 275 south being Bradenton.

Interstate 275 Northbound at Exit 22

Approaching Interstate 175 as we cross 31 St S in one mile.  Notice that you have be in the right lane to exit.

As indicated on this tri-color sign, the downtown St. Petersburg museums as well as the BayWalk shopping complex and the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront are reached by taking Exit 22 or its northerly neighbor, Exit 23.

Mileage for the two downtown St. Petersburg exits:  Interstate 175 (Exit 22) is only 3/4 mile while Interstate 375 (Exit 23) is only 1-1/2 miles away.

Intermediate signage for Interstate 175 as well as advance signage for Interstate 375.

Final opportunity to exit onto Interstate 175 eastbound.  If you are wondering why you do not see an "Exit Only" panel like you have seen in the previous sign, it's because of a change in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) a while ago that stipulates that an Exit Only panel be used for an exit that leads off of the interstate highway, not for an exit that leads onto another interstate highway.

Perspective of Interstate 275 at Exit 22

Looking underneath Interstate 275 southbound at Central Avenue at the direction of Exit 22.  Notice how the columns supporting the interstate are perfectly aligned.

An excellent view of northbound Interstate 275 (the higher bridge to the left) and the on ramp from Interstate 175 (the lower bridge to the right) at 3 Av S.

A closeup view of Interstate 275 northbound as it passes over Interstate 175 at 3 Av S.

Looking underneath Interstate 275 southbound as it prepares to split off at Interstate 175.  Notice the enormous amount of columns and support beams required to construct the highway, as the southbound lanes widen out for two lanes onto Interstate 175 eastbound and two through lanes for Interstate 275 southbound.  This was also taken at 3 Av S.