FDOT Kicks Off I-275 Expansion in St. Pete With Focus on Community Input and Sound Walls

Construction crews started widening Interstate 275 in St. Petersburg this August. The work spans from north of 38th Avenue North to 4th Street North.

"We have crews that are working primarily during daytime right now during the clearing and grubbing phase. They're going to be doing some of the preliminary work to be able to get the new fence installed and some of the sound barriers installed," said Andrew Williams, a senior construction project manager for FDOT per Tampa Bay 28.com.

The work has brought unexpected challenges for nearby residents. When crews marked boundaries, Margie Torres found out her yard was smaller than her deed showed. "In the front, it was like 10 ft, and back here it's upwards of 12 to 14 ft in the way that they're angling for the fence for the wall, so that's been a little bit frustrating and upsetting," Torres said.

Next door, Donald Chenault had to remove his backyard basketball court. Still, he stays upbeat about what's coming. "I'm really excited about the sound barrier wall. It's gonna add obviously a little bit of the quietness, but also just a little bit more privacy," he said.

FDOT wants to talk with locals about the changes. They've planned a meeting on Sept. 25 at 3201 Scherer Drive. Staff will answer questions from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m at the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

Can't make it in person? Join online Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check FDOT's site to sign up for the virtual session.