Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Dale Mabry Colundrum

As you more than likely know already, the Florida DOT has closed the exit ramp to Dale Mabry Highway (Exits 41A-B) from southbound Interstate 275.  This is needed so that work can progress on the new southbound lanes of Interstate 275 which is taking shape.

Unfortunately, this closure has created mass confusion as motorists wanting to access Dale Mabry Highway - also known as US 92 - from southbound Interstate 275 must exit at Himes Avenue (Exit 41C).  Adding to the confusion is the fact that motorists must be in the left hand lane to exit; in other words, this is a left exit like its counterparts at Interstate 375 (Exit 23A) and Interstate 175 (Exit 22) in downtown St. Petersburg.  Miss the Himes Avenue exit and you will have to exit at Westshore Blvd.

As in most construction zones, the left exit to Himes Avenue is marked with temporary signage mounted on wooden posts similar to how California mounts their post mounted interstate signage.  So, how do you get to Dale Mabry Highway from southbound Interstate 275, now that you have to exit at Himes Avenue and the exit ramps to Dale Mabry are closed?

It depends on which way you are going on Dale Mabry:

If you are going south on Dale Mabry, take a left onto Himes Avenue and go south to Cypress Street.  West on Cypress Street to Dale Mabry Highway.

If you are going north on Dale Mabry, take a right onto Himes Avenue and go north to Spruce Street.  West on Spruce Street to Dale Mabry Highway.

But what if you are going to Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?  It's simple as taking a right onto Himes Avenue but you want to go straight ahead on Himes Avenue past Columbus Drive and the stadium will be on your left.  Just be sure to follow posted variable message signage for game day parking.

Now I want your opinion on how the Dale Mabry ramp closure is affecting you.  Go ahead, sound off by leaving a comment in the reply box below.  Just make sure to keep the comments clean, that's all I ask.
 

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