Page Three:  Exit 42 (Armenia Avenue and Howard Avenue)

Continuing northbound on Interstate 275 we pass over the Exit 42 complex consisting of Armenia Avenue and Howard Avenue which was constructed in 1963.  Armenia Avenue is a one way street southbound while Howard Avenue is a one way street northbound.  When Interstate 275 was originally built from Dale Mabry Highway northward it becomes a six lane highway and once past the Exit 42 complex Interstate 275 widens out further into an eight lane highway.  When the highway was originally built the overpasses were sets of two bridges, one crossing Armenia and the other crossing Howard.  During the mid-1970’s the median on Interstate 275 was paved and a wall barrier (called a Jersey Barrier) was constructed.

North of the Exit 42 complex Interstate 275 goes from a flat to a roller coaster ride as the highway crosses many side streets  - Rome Avenue, Willow Avenue and North Boulevard - until the Hillsborough River is reached.  I imagine this roller coaster effect should be fixed when Interstate 275 is rebuilt as part of the major reconstruction project scheduled to get underway in a few years.  The Tampa Bay Interstates web site has more details.

Interstate 275 Northbound at Exit 42

Advance signage for Armenia and Howard Avenues coming up in 1/2 mile.

Advance mileage signage for Armenia and Howard Avenues as well as Downtown Tampa and Interstate 4.

Final opportunity to exit Interstate 275 at Armenia and Howard Avenues.

Interstate 275 Southbound at Exit 42

Advance signage for Howard and Armenia Avenues are coming up in 1-1/2 miles.

Howard and Armenia Avenues are coming up in 3/4 mile.  Himes Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway are the next two exits.

One of the many electronic variable message signs recently erected.  This is on southbound Interstate 275 just as you get ready to cross the Hillsborough River.

Howard and Armenia Avenues coming up in 1/2 mile.  Notice the dedicated exit only lane.

Final opportunity to exit at Howard and Armenia Avenues.