Ride Report

Posted Jul 18, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Jul 18, 2006 at 08:16 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.