Page Seven:  Busch Boulevard/FL 580 (Exit 50) and Fowler Avenue/FL 582 (Exit 51)

Making its journey through central and northern Tampa is the next segment of Interstate 275 originally constructed in 1967 featuring exits at Busch Boulevard and Fowler Avenue.  The original 1967 construction was six lanes south of Busch Boulevard and four lanes north of Busch Boulevard.  Construction to widen the four lane segment north of Busch Boulevard to six lanes began in 1999 and completed in 2002; this was desperately needed to accommodate the rapid growth of the area north of Tampa as the original four lanes were inadequate for today’s standards.

Busch Boulevard is an east-west highway carrying FL 580 from Dale Mabry Highway to Temple Terrace.  One of the Tampa Bay area’s major attractions, Busch Gardens, can be reached at this exit.  Of particular interest is the way the interchange is designed than the rest of the Interstate 275 interchanges throughout Tampa; the overpass bridge is higher than the others as it crosses an active CSX railroad track servicing Clearwater and St. Petersburg.  Many years ago Amtrak used to operate passenger service on this track to Clearwater and St. Petersburg but service was discontinued in 1984 and has been replaced by bus service to the Amtrak station at Tampa’s Union Station; I remember this from many years ago when I used to ride the train from St. Petersburg to Tampa and vice versa during my younger years (this was before getting my first driver’s license, of course!).  The ramp from Interstate 275 northbound to Busch Boulevard is a sharp turn to the right, hence the 25 mph advisory signage.

Fowler Avenue is another east-west highway carrying FL 582 from Florida Avenue (Business US 41) to Interstate 75 and US 301 just east of Temple Terrace.  The University of South Florida’s main Tampa campus is reached at this exit.  Fowler Avenue was originally four lanes but was expended to eight lanes to accommodate the rapid growth the immediate area has seen over the years.

Interstate 275 Northbound at Exit 50

Advance mileage signage for Busch Boulevard as well as Fowler Avenue and Fletcher Avenue on Interstate 275 northbound

Advance signage for Busch Boulevard from Interstate 275 northbound.  Notice that the right lane was an exit only lane before reconstruction north of Busch Boulevard made this lane a through lane.

Signage for Busch Boulevard from Interstate 275 northbound.  Notice the reduced speed 25 mph advisory due to the design of the exit ramp.

Signage for Busch Gardens which can be reached by exiting Interstate 275 at Busch Boulevard and heading east.

Interstate 275 Southbound at Exit 50

Advance signage for Busch Boulevard coming up in 3/4 mile.

Final opportunity to exit Interstate 275 at Busch Boulevard.

Signage for Busch Gardens and the Tampa Greyhound Track, both accessible from eastbound Busch Boulevard.  To access the dog track, use Busch Boulevard eastbound to Nebraska Avenue (US 41) and southbound on Nebraska Avenue to Waters Avenue.  The dog track will be on your right as you pass Waters Avenue.

Perspective of Interstate 275 at Exit 50

This is Yukon Street looking east as we go under Interstate 275.  I presume the reason for the longer overpass was that Yukon Street was originally planned as an exit but the plans did not materialize.

Interstate 275 Northbound at Exit 51

Advance signage for Fowler Avenue coming up in 3/4 mile.  Use eastbound Fowler Avenue to reach the University of South Florida (USF) or the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).

Final opportunity to exit Interstate 275 at Fowler Avenue.  If you are headed to USF and you miss this exit don't fret, you can exit at Fletcher Avenue (Exit 52).

Interstate 275 Southbound at Exit 51

Advance signage for Fowler Avenue as we cross Fletcher Avenue.

Final opportunity to exit Interstate 275 at Fowler Avenue.

Signage for the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) which can be reached by exiting at Fowler Avenue and proceeding east.  MOSI is on the right side of Fowler Avenue as you pass the main entrance to the University of South Florida.

Perspective of Interstate 275 at Exit 51