Traffic smooth at TIA after new ramp opens

TAMPA -- New traffic changes at Tampa International Airport that took effect early this morning caused no major snarls, a Florida Department of Transportation spokesman says. A new ramp from westbound S.R. 60, or northbound Memorial Highway, onto eastbound Spruce Street opened at about 2 a.m., giving people a straighter shot toward the International Plaza area.

TAMPA -- New traffic changes at Tampa International Airport that took effect early this morning caused no major snarls, a Florida Department of Transportation spokesman says. A new ramp from westbound S.R. 60, or northbound Memorial Highway, onto eastbound Spruce Street opened at about 2 a.m., giving people a straighter shot toward the International Plaza area.

FDOT spokesman John McShaffrey said no delays have occurred because of the new ramp.

The ramp also creates a shorter route for drivers who take Kennedy Boulevard to get to Cypress Street after the northbound I-275 exit ramp there closed.

Instead of going from Kennedy to Westshore Boulevard to Cypress, drivers can now take Exit 39 B and then the new Spruce Street exit toward O'Brien Street, then going south to Cypress.

This will be the last change of 2008, McShaffrey said. In January, a new ramp leading from the airport directly to southbound I-275 will open.

Last week, transporation officials unveiled five new etrance and exit ramps at the airport,

Luis Perez and Kim Wilmath, Times staff writer

FDOT spokesman John McShaffrey said no delays have occurred because of the new ramp.

The ramp also creates a shorter route for drivers who take Kennedy Boulevard to get to Cypress Street after the northbound I-275 exit ramp there closed.

Instead of going from Kennedy to Westshore Boulevard to Cypress, drivers can now take Exit 39 B and then the new Spruce Street exit toward O'Brien Street, then going south to Cypress.

This will be the last change of 2008, McShaffrey said. In January, a new ramp leading from the airport directly to southbound I-275 will open.

Last week, transporation officials unveiled five new etrance and exit ramps at the airport,

Luis Perez and Kim Wilmath, Times staff writer