Tampa Downtown Interchange/I-275 Slab Rehabilitation

Interchange looking northwest.

The I-275/I-4 interchange in Tampa is the convergence of two interstate systems that serves as the primary north/south, east/west entrance and exit to the downtown central business district. Since the interchange had been handling more than three times the number of vehicles that it had originally been designed for the Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven embarked on a project that would help accommodate the additional traffic.

PBS&J was called upon to provide construction engineering and inspection services for this four-year improvement project. Upgrades included the widening of 18 bridges, the construction of eight new bridges, including a high-level flyover from south I-275 to east I-4, and a concrete rehab project for I-275 extending from the interchange to Yukon Street.

Virtually all of the construction occurred in and around live traffic, close to existing residential neighborhoods and businesses, and with many areas accessible to pedestrians. Therefore, it was a major challenge to coordinate the project within a framework of strict maintenance of traffic, construction phasing, accessibility, public safety, and public relations constraints. Other challenges included limited hours of productive off-peak time during which the contractor was allowed to close lanes, and the intense planning and coordination required for several off-interstate detours.

With PBS&J's oversight, and despite a fast-paced schedule, the contractor was able to earn more than $2.5 million through a series of no-excuse bonus and incentive/disincentive opportunities.

PBS&J was recognized with a “Consultant of the Year” award from the West Coast Chapter of the American Public Works Association for this $99-million project, which was completed in December 2006.