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05/15/07 |
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Interstate 4 through the Tampa Bay area in pictures Of course no subsection of Interstate275Florida.com would be complete without pictures to show you what Interstate 4 looks like. We will work our way eastbound on Interstate 4 from Malfunction Junction at Interstate 275 all the way past the Florida State Fairgrounds at US 301 and then past Interstate 75 to Exit 14, McIntosh Road to US 92 and Dover. I have organized this subsection of Interstate275Florida.com so that you can either scroll through the entire page or you can click on any of the links below to jump to a specific exit on Interstate 4. All photos are on eastbound Interstate 4 unless otherwise noted. Exit 1 - FL 585/21st Street and 22nd Street Exit 2 - FL 569/40th Street (now nonexistent) Exit 5 - FL 574/Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Exit 10 - Hillsborough County Road 579
Exit 1 - FL 585/21st Street and 22nd Street
Being the first eastbound exit of Interstate 4, Exit 1 takes motorists to Tampa's famous Latin Quarter, Ybor City. Ybor City is abound with plenty of activities such as shopping, dining (especially the world renowned Columbia Restaurant on the corner of 7th Avenue and 22nd Street), and a movie complex. There is also the electric streetcar that takes visitors from Ybor City to the Port of Tampa (including the Channelside entertainment complex) and the St. Petersburg Times Forum and vice versa. In addition, Hillsborough Community College has a campus at Ybor City which is very impressive (when I was studying for my Legal Assisting degree years ago I had the privilege of taking a couple of classes over at the Ybor campus).
21st Street carries southbound traffic while 22nd Street carries northbound traffic. At FL 60 FL 585's designation changes to Business US 41 and both lanes multiplex just south of FL 60 at the interchange with the Crosstown Expressway.
First signage for Interstate 4 eastbound and the advance signage for Exit 1, FL 585. This is seen as soon as you exit from Interstate 275 northbound.
FL 585 (21st Street and 22nd Street) is coming up in 1/4 mile.
Use 21st Street (which is one way southbound) to reach historical Ybor City as well as the Port of Tampa. Ybor City and Centro Ybor (home to shopping and a multiplex movie theater) are very festive especially on Saturday nights.
Final opportunity to exit at Interstate 4's first exit, FL 585.
Westbound Interstate 4 at Exit 1
Final opportunity to exit at the last exit of Interstate 4 westbound, FL 585.
The western end of Interstate 4 is near and Interstate 275 is coming up in one mile. Notice the St. Petersburg and Ocala (via Interstate 75) destinations.
Interstate 4 ends in 3/4 mile. This is the first time I believe that end signage for Interstate 4 has been posted advising motorists of the western terminus of Interstate 4. Remember that Interstate 4 continued on from this point across the Howard Frankland Bridge to St. Petersburg in its early heydays prior to the extension of Interstate 75 and eventually Interstate 275.
(No Longer Existent as of 2005)
FL 569 had the privilege of holding the title of Interstate 4's second eastbound exit from when Interstate 4 opened in the 1960's to 2005. North of Interstate 4 FL 569 provided a connection to US 41 north while south of Interstate 4 FL 569 provided a connection to the Crosstown Expressway.
Due to reconstruction of Interstate 4 which will provide more capacity in the years to come, in August 2005 Exit 2 was closed permanently and all four ramps were removed in order to make way for the new Interstate 4 lanes.
Advance signage for Exit 3, US 41 as well as what used to be the exit ramp for Exit 2, FL 569. The space on the overhead sign truss to the right of the advance sign for US 41 is where the signage for Exit 2 once stood. This signage as well as the original two lanes for eastbound Interstate 4 no longer exist.
The section of US 41 in southern Florida known as the Tamiami Trail begins at this interchange. Tamiami Trail was constructed sometime around the 1930's, long before Interstate 75 came. Although most of the route is lined with businesses from Tampa to Naples south of Naples Tamiami Trail becomes a scenic two-lane highway to Miami for those looking for a more scenic drive to Miami rather than Interstate 75.
North of Interstate 4 US 41 veers off to the left and leaves 50th Street to link up with 40th Street, while 50th Street becomes FL 583 and provides a direct route to Temple Terrace and to Busch Gardens via Busch Blvd. westbound.
Not only US 41 is located at Exit 3, you can also reach Columbus Drive as well. When Interstate 4 was originally constructed traffic headed to US 41 from Interstate 4 eastbound exited onto Columbus Drive, then onto US 41 while traffic on westbound Interstate 4 had direct access to US 41.
Reconstruction of Exit 3 currently taking place as of 2005 will have the mainline Interstate 4 overpass bridges completely replaced and Columbus Drive reconfigured to a new alignment. Traffic entering Interstate 4 westbound from or exiting Interstate 4 eastbound to US 41 will have a left lane entry and exit respectively. What this means is that traffic entering Interstate 4 westbound from or exiting Interstate 4 eastbound to US 41 will use the newly reconfigured Columbus Drive to access US 41, while traffic entering Interstate 4 eastbound or exiting Interstate 4 westbound will directly access US 41.
Advance signage for Exit 3, US 41 on the old Interstate 4 lanes. This was taken shortly before eastbound Interstate 4 traffic was shifted over to the new eastbound lanes, which is a much better improvement over the old eastbound lanes. The old eastbound lanes no longer exist.
Diagrammatical signage for Exit 3 announcing the approach of US 41 in one mile. Notice the left lane exit advisory on both the top left and bottom left corners of the sign.
Same diagrammatical signage, only that US 41 is coming up in 1/2 mile.
Final opportunity to exit Interstate 4 at Exit 3, US 41. As mentioned earlier traffic headed to US 41 will exit from the left lanes.
Interstate 4 eastbound as we cross over Columbus Drive and US 41. The overpass bridges are a much better improvement with continuous shoulders over the old 1961 overpass bridges.
Signage for Exit 3 (US 41) from westbound Interstate 4. The Exit Only panel on the bottom of the sign indicated the end of the continuous right lane from Orlando. Now that Interstate 4 is three lanes westbound from Orlando to Interstate 275 the Exit Only panel may be greened out.
Signage advising truckers to use US 41 south to the Port of Tampa via the Crosstown Expressway (the Crosstown is not mentioned here). A connector highway linking Interstate 4 and the Crosstown Expressway along with dedicated access to the Port of Tampa for truckers is on the drawing board. Also notice one of the new variable message signs to the left.
Final opportunity to exit at US 41 from Interstate 4 westbound.
Exit 5 - FL 574/Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Formerly known as Buffalo Avenue, FL 574 connects Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa with the small community of Mango located east of Interstate 75. East of Mango FL 574 continues to Plant City with a connection to US 92.
In the 1990's the highway was renamed Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in honor of the civil rights leader who meant equality for all mankind. Few people protested when the road name was changed but acceptance of change was common.
During the Florida State Fair (and other events at the Florida State Fairgrounds) you can reach the fairgrounds using FL 574 east and following the signs to the parking area of your choice. This is a good alternate route rather than fighting the crowds at Exit 7, US 301.
Exit 5 used to feature a compact diamond interchange with narrow overpasses when Interstate 4 was originally constructed. It has been completely reconstructed with wider bridges and a better diamond interchange design.
Exit 5 is coming up in one mile.
Exit 5 is coming up in 1/2 mile.
Two options for the state fairgrounds: Exits 5 or 7.
Final opportunity to exit onto Exit 5 from Interstate 4.
Orient Road is a minor road connecting Hillsborough Avenue (US 92) with FL 60 featuring a bridge over the CSX railroad tracks near FL 60. The Seminole Indian Casino is located at the northeast corner of Exit 6.
Unlike the other Interstate 4 interchanges Exit 6 features a partial entrance and exit, where eastbound Interstate 4 traffic may only exit at Exit 6 while entrance onto westbound Interstate 4 is only allowed. I believe that the interchange with Orient Road at Interstate 4 was constructed this way due to the close proximity of Exit 7 (US 92 and US 301) which is not too far away.
Orient Road is coming up in 1/2 mile on Interstate 4.
Final opportunity to exit onto Orient Road from Interstate 4.
Exit 7 - US 92 (Hillsborough Avenue) and US 301
Exit 7 is actually the junction of not two but three important highways, US 92 (also known as Hillsborough Avenue), US 301 and of course Interstate 4.
US 92 is a cross state highway which basically parallels Interstate 4. US 92 multiplexes with Hillsborough Avenue at Dale Mabry Highway and follows Hillsborough Avenue all the way to Plant City. Statewide, US 92 begins in St. Petersburg on 4th Street North at the intersection of 5th Avenue North and ends in Daytona Beach. On the other hand, US 301 used to be the route you took if you wanted to head south to Bradenton and/or Sarasota before the advent of Interstate 75, while northbound on US 301 will take you to Zephyrhills as well as Dade City.
Exit 7 was reconstructed completely in segments in 1999 and 2000 and features an improved cloverleaf ramp system as well as collector/distributor roads for the Interstate 4 mainline. For example, traffic headed east on US 92 intending to go east on US 92 would stay on the collector/distributor road while crossing Interstate 4 obviating the need to enter the Interstate 4 mainline.
Advance signage for Exit 7, US 301 and US 92 on Interstate 4. Notice the dedicated exit only lane.
You can access the Florida State Fairgrounds as well as Vandenberg Airport (a small general aviation airport run by the folks who bring you Tampa International Airport, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority) by using US 301. Follow US 301 south for the fairgrounds or follow US 301 north for Vandenberg Airport and follow the signs.
Final opportunity for Exit 7, US 301 and US 92 on Interstate 4. The exit ramp is actually the start of the collector/distributor ramp that parallels Interstate 4. Don't worry, if you exit by mistake simply stay on the ramp and you will be directed back onto Interstate 4.
Signage on the collector/distributor ramp for US 301. If you are headed to Riverview or the fairgrounds use US 301 south; if you headed on US 301 north to Zephyrhills or on US 92 east simply go straight ahead. If you need simply to return to Interstate 4 east simply go straight ahead as well.
Final opportunity to exit from the collector/distributor ramp to US 301 north. If you are headed to US 92 east or back onto Interstate 4 east it's straight ahead.
Final opportunity to exit onto US 92 east on the collector/distributor ramp after crossing the Tampa Bypass Canal. If you need to return to Interstate 4 east it's straight ahead. Now see, you didn't have to worry if you exited onto Exit 7 by mistake and did not intend to leave Interstate 4.
The following Exit 7 pictures were taken on westbound Interstate 4:
Exit 7, US 92 west to US 301, is coming up in one mile. Notice the Busch Gardens destination which can be reached by using US 92 west (also called Hillsborough Avenue) to North 56th Street, then northbound on North 56th Street to Busch Blvd and west on Busch Blvd. and Busch Gardens will be on the right side of Busch Blvd. as you head west.
Exit 7 is just around the corner. Notice the right lane drop (it actually goes into a collector/distributor ramp which means if you exit by mistake simply stay on the ramp and you will be directed back onto Interstate 4) and one of the many newly installed variable message signs.
Final opportunity to exit Interstate 4 westbound at Exit 7.
Exit 9 - Interstate 75 to Naples and Ocala
Constructed in 1983, the Interstate 75/Interstate 4 interchange is part of the Interstate 75 Tampa bypass constructed as part of the Interstate 75 extension to Naples and Miami and features all flyover ramps enabling the motorist a smooth transition from Interstate 4 to Interstate 75 and vice versa. When the interchange was constructed an overpass that carries Williams Road over Interstate 4 located to the east of Interstate 75 was reconstructed due to the narrow width of Interstate 4 as it passes under Williams Road when the overpass was originally built. The eventual widening of Interstate 4 from a narrow four to a wider six lane highway was taken into account when the Interstate 75 interchange was constructed.
Interstate 75 is coming up in two miles on Interstate 4.
Another mile to Interstate 75 on Interstate 4.
And a half a mile to go to Interstate 75!
You can access Temple Terrace or Brandon on Interstate 75. For Temple Terrace (as well as Busch Gardens as another route via Fowler Avenue, North 56th Street and Busch Blvd.), use Interstate 75 north to Exit 265, FL 582/Fowler Avenue and for Brandon, use Interstate 75 south to Exit 257, FL 60.
Final opportunity for Exit 9, Interstate 75 from Interstate 4.
The following Exit 9 pictures were taken on westbound Interstate 4:
Exit 9 is just around the corner! Notice the dedicated right exit only lane.
Final opportunity to exit Interstate 4 at Exit 9, Interstate 75. The overpass crossing Interstate 4 is Williams Road which was rebuilt at the same time Interstate 75 was built.
Exit 10 - Hillsborough County Road 579 to Mango and Thonotosassa
Hillsborough County Road 579 is a two lane county highway connecting the communities of Thonotosassa to the north with Mango to the south. Numerous businesses today dot either side of Exit 10.
Exit 10 is configured where the road goes over the interstate. Back when Interstate 4 was originally built the overpass that took Exit 10 over Interstate 4 was very narrow. However, when Exit 10 was reconstructed in 2000 the narrow overpass was demolished and replaced with a wider overpass which allows for left turning traffic from Hillsborough County Road 579 to Interstate 4 as well as the installation of mast arm type traffic signals which were not there when Interstate 4 was originally built.
First signage for Exit 10 coming up in one mile on Interstate 4. Notice how the sign is mounted on the Williams Road overpass, which was reconstructed when the Interstate 75 interchange (Exit 9) was built. Also notice the Interstate 4 shield in the foreground.
You can reach Seffner or the Hillsborough River State Park from Exit 10.
Final opportunity to exit Interstate 4 at Exit 10. Notice the right lane is a dedicated exit lane.
We see our first mileage sign since Interstate 275. McIntosh Road is 3 miles ahead while Lakeland is 23 miles away and Orlando is another 73 miles to go. Remember the mileage sign to Lakeland on Interstate 275 northbound in St. Petersburg just past 4th Street North (Exit 32)?
McIntosh Road is another two lane county road that takes motorists to US 92 as well as the community of Dover. As we go further eastbound on Interstate 4 there are only a few businesses that dot Exit 14 as well as the next exit over until Plant City which is not too far away from Exit 14.
Unlike Exit 10, Exit 14 is configured where Interstate 4 goes over McIntosh Road. When this interchange was built in the 1960's it was a compact interchange but when Exit 14 was reconstructed in 2000 the two overpasses were completely reconstructed featuring a continuous shoulder on Interstate 4 compared to the old overpasses which did not feature the shoulder on the overpass itself. The entrance and exit ramps were also lengthened when Interstate 4 was reconstructed.
McIntosh Road is coming up in one mile.
You can access Dover simply by heading south on McIntosh Road.
McIntosh Road is ahead 1/2 mile.
Final opportunity to exit Interstate 4 at McIntosh Road.
Perspective of the newly reconstructed overpasses of Interstate 4 that cross McIntosh Road.
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This site was last updated 05/15/07