Road work on Veterans Expressway near TIA delayed

A plan to reroute automobile traffic on the southbound Veterans Expressway near Tampa International Airport this morning has been delayed until Wednesday.

Just after midnight, Florida Department of Transportation officials announced that expected rain showers had postponed scheduled construction work on the road.

Beginning at 5:30 a.m. today, drivers were supposed to exit via the right lane. Now, the switch from left to right lanes and the expected delays that come with it, are not scheduled to begin until 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. Weather permitting, that is.

The agency is urging drivers to be especially alert during the traffic change.

On Sept. 15, the airport exits from eastbound State Road 60, southbound Memorial Highway and the Veterans Expressway were switched over to the left lane in order to make way for construction of a new ramp, officials said. That ramp is now in use.

Wednesday's return to the right side is for the airport exit only. The Spruce Street exit leading toward International Plaza will remain on the left until later this year, officials said.

Luis Perez, Times Staff Writer

*