The Gateway Expressway project has constructed two new tolled roadways that will provide direct connections between US 19 and I-275, and the Bayside Bridge (north of 49th Street N) and I-275. Express lanes have been built on I-275. These connections are set to open on Friday, April 26, according to an announcement from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

SR 690 is a new 4-lane tolled expressway connecting US 19 to the west of I-275. It has been constructed in the median of existing 118th Avenue North, with elevated portions over various streets and ramps, including 49th Street North, 47th Street North, 43rd Street North, 34th Street North, the ramp at 31st Court North, and 28th Street North.

New toll roads are a “congestion management tool”

SR 686A is a newly constructed 4-lane tolled expressway extending from the Bayside Bridge to just west of I-275. The majority of its route lies within the median of Roosevelt Boulevard, spanning from the Bayside Bridge to Ulmerton Road. Notably, an interchange at Ulmerton Road is integrated into this project. Moving south, the roadway extends through the former Sunshine Speedway property until it intersects with SR 690.

In addition to the new toll roads, I-275 has been widened to create express tolled lanes (one lane in each direction) from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North, according to an FDOT release. The express lanes are in the median next to the existing I-275 general purpose (non-tolled) lanes. The FDOT states that express lanes are a congestion management tool, and are designed to improve traffic flow, and give drivers travel options.

All tolls will be collected electronically using the SunPass prepaid toll program.