Transportation

Our annual membership survey consistently conveys that transportation is our members' number one concern. An efficient local street network and an improved state highway and federal interstate system are crucial to the Westshore Business district.

HISTORY In January 1993, the State of Florida funded the Westshore Alliance Transportation Management Organization (TMO), the first in the state to serve as a model for other urban areas. The TMO's purpose is to serve as the transportation advocate for Westshore and to promote commuting alternatives.

TRANSPORTATION MILESTONES
We have a successful track record in promoting transportation improvements to elected officials and the agency staff responsible for funding allocations and implementing transportation projects. Some of the notable transportation projects in which the Alliance has had a major role are:

• Governor Bush's Mobility 2000 funding for the Tampa Airport Interchanges Project including improvements to the Veterans Express Way/I-275 corridor
• Links II & III improvements to Interstate 275 between the Howard Frankland Bridge and downtown Tampa
• Memorial Highway/Kennedy interchange improvements
• Widening and improvements to Boy Scout Boulevard
• Sidewalk and intersection improvements throughout the business district.

CURRENT HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION IN WESTSHORE
Major changes are on the way for the highway system running through Westshore. The Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) Tampa Airport Interchanges project began in 2005 and reconstruction of I-275 between Westshore and downtown Tampa began in 2007. These projects will bring significant changes to the Courtney Campbell/Veteran's/Memorial Interchange near Tampa International Airport and to the I-275 from the Howard Frankland Bridge to downtown Tampa.  For up to date information on all highway construction projects affecting the Westshore distirct, visit mybi.com.

PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Another way we are trying to improve mobility in the district is by improving pedestrian facilities in the district. We are constantly working to add new sidewalks, safe crosswalks, and recreational trails in the district.

The Courtney Campbell Causeway has recently been designated a scenic corridor. We are actively working with the city of Tampa to develop pedestrian & bike trails along this corridor that connect to other key areas in the district.

COMMUTE OPTIONS
To further reduce traffic congestion, we provide up-to-date information on commute options to employees of member companies. Tax incentives are available for employers who subsidize certain commute alternatives. For more information contact our Director of Transportation at 813-289-5488 or click here to email.

Public Transportation Links

Bay Area Commuter Services - Carpool and vanpool options
HARTline - Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority.