Ride Report

Posted Jul 18, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Jul 18, 2006 at 07:16 AM

Some of the first cars across the elevated lanes were Florida Highway Patrol troopers, and they’re not hiding. Enforcement of the 60 mph speed limit is obviously strict.

As we drove the nine-mile stretch this morning we encountered very little traffic. 60 mph was easily maintained for all nine miles. Cars and trucks below the elevated lanes were clearly moving at a slow speed. A glance at State Road 60 revealed nothing but brake lights.

For once, I was beating a traffic jam. (It’s too bad I live in Pinellas and have no use for the Crosstown.)

The barriers along the edges are taller than they appear from below.

The exit is smooth, and the light (amazingly) seems pretty well timed for egress into downtown Tampa.

Drivers we talked to at that end were pleased with the ride, and said it was well worth a dollar. One woman timed the drive from her home and said saved at least 14 minutes.

The Expressway Authority director said its ‘soft’ opening was a relief.

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Flashing Lights

Posted Jul 18, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Jul 18, 2006 at 07:18 AM

(We snapped this photo after the first citation.)

The Expressway Authority says law enforcement officers have already issued the first speeding ticket on the new elevated Crosstown.
...apparently a Corvette driver is the lucky winner.

Go figure.

I think we interviewed him before he took off.
And, he did seem to floor it!

Maybe it was another Corvette.

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Gates Open

Posted Jul 18, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Jul 18, 2006 at 08:00 AM

...And they’re off!

As we attempted to interview one of the first drivers to take-on the Crosstown’s new elevated roadway, the car behind him honked repeatedly.

Our interview cut short, the impatient driver shouted, “You can’t stop progress.”

We’ve talked to a few drivers who say the 10 minutes they’re supposed to gain in a quicker, $1 commute will be used working.

(I’d probably sleep later.)

Sunpass is required.

So far, none of our interviewees has expressed concern about the collapse.

Each cycle of the traffic light brings a half dozen or so cars.

At first the progress was notably sluggish. Now, the pace has picked-up, and I’m sure we’re just moments away from the first speeding ticket on the elevated roadway.

The speed limit is 60 mph.

The 4-year, 9-mile project cost $420 million, and according to my chickenscrath arithmetic that breaks down to roughly $6,600 an inch.

Westbound lanes are open 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eastbound lanes open next month.

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A Whimper Welcomes Westbound Lanes

Posted Jul 18, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Jul 18, 2006 at 04:58 AM

Where is everybody?
Asleep, that’s where.

There’s no line here.
But, within the next 15 minutes the red gates go up and the westbound elevated lanes are open for business.
No cash, just SunPass; $1 toll.

The Expressway Authority says it expected that.

There’s supposed to be a party sometime later.
Right now the only feast is on my ankles where all sorts of bugs are eating away my thin Florida blood.

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Countdown…

Posted Jul 17, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Jul 18, 2006 at 02:52 AM

The Crosstown Expressway’s long-awaited elevated lanes will open for westbound traffic this morning.

Stay tuned for live coverage.

Read the Tampa Tribune story here.

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