Roads That See High Traffic in St. Petersburg
Situated on the Gulf Coast, Florida, St. Petersburg is known for its beaches, museums, and its vibrant downtown. But similar to any urban center in the United States, traffic congestion is a major issue during peak tourist seasons and weekday rush hours. Irrespective of whether you are a resident or a visitor, negotiating St. Petersburg’s heavy trafficked roads can be challenging.
Typical of any city, some routes are perennially congested due to the volume, road design, or connectivity to major roads like Interstate 275. Those unfamiliar with the area are advised to plan the routes to avoid delays, especially during the worst traffic times, is recommended.
I-275: The Main Artery of St. Petersburg
Interstate 275 is a major transportation network of the region, connecting north to south with St. Petersburg and linking drivers to Tampa through the Howard Frankland Bridge. This route is well known for congestion, especially the downtown St. Petersburg, the Tropicana Field area, and the exits to 5th Avenue North and 22nd Avenue South.
The morning traffic on I-275 begins around 7:00 a.m. and lasts until 9:00 a.m., with the evening traffic reaching the maximum between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Accidents, construction, or even bad weather can increase the travel time on this stretch.
Gandy Boulevard (U.S. Route 92)
Gandy Boulevard connects the major east-west corridor linking St. Petersburg to Tampa across the Gandy Bridge. As the bridge is a vital link between Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, it is the source of traffic jams, especially in the evening, as people commute from downtown Tampa to Pinellas County.
Gandy Boulevard intersects several high-traffic local roads, adding to the traffic. Though it has multiple traffic signals and business entrances, the traffic on the boulevard can slow down quickly in peak hours or cause accidents.
34th Street (U.S. Route 19)
U.S. Route 19 or 34th Street within St. Petersburg also has substantial traffic. Due to being a central commercial route, it has a heavy volume of personal and commercial vehicles. Shoppers, commuters, and service trucks delay traffic in this corridor.
The 34th Street running through downtown and the Gateway area experiences considerable periods of rush hour. The high number of intersections and pedestrian crossings slows down traffic on other major roads. Additionally, bus lanes and bike paths to reduce congestion can create new traffic systems that the drivers may take time to adapt.
4th Street North
The 4th Street North, running parallel to I-275, is an important north-south urban roadway passing through important neighborhoods and business districts. Drivers trying to avoid the interstate road or reach downtown St. Petersburg or the Gateway area frequently use this route.
The road, dotted with scenic urban views, provides direct access to retail centers and restaurants. The traffic can get congested, and the turning traffic, construction detours, and pedestrian activity can cause delays. The mix of local and through traffic renders it vulnerable to fluctuations during the worst traffic times.
Roosevelt Boulevard and the Gateway Area
The Gateway area in the northeastern portion of St. Petersburg is a fast-growing business and industrial hub connected by Roosevelt Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Street North in this zone. Traffic gets congested quickly here, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, as workers exit and enter offices and business centers.
Roosevelt Boulevard is a common route to and from the St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, and as flights arrive or depart during peak driving hours, it adds to the congestion. Several road widening and intersection improvement projects are underway to accommodate future growth.
Tyrone Boulevard
The residential neighborhoods with commercial centers are connected by west-side arterial road with Tyrone Boulevard. The weekend and holiday shopping seasons get congested around Tyrone Square Mall and adjacent retail areas.
Tyrone Boulevard is a west-side arterial road that connects many residential neighborhoods with commercial centers. The area around Tyrone Square Mall and adjacent retail spaces becomes especially congested during weekends and holiday shopping seasons.
The road connects Pasadena Avenue and Park Street, feeding into beach routes. It is the favored route for both residents and tourists going towards the Gulf beaches. Traffic gets heavier on weekends, with congestion running into several blocks near intersections, mall entrances, and large parking facilities.
54th Avenue North and 22nd Avenue North
The east-west roads are important local commuter routes. Though not as congested as I-275 or U.S. 19, commuters use them as cut-through routes to avoid highway congestion. The rush hours witness increased volume, particularly near school zones and residential intersections.
Additionally, the roads have stop signs, crosswalks, and school buses, which cause delays during peak school drop-off and pick-up times very regularly.
Conclusion
Urban traffic network is a system of highways, urban streets, and neighborhood routes bearing the burden of population growth and high tourism. Routes like I-275, Gandy Boulevard, and U.S. 19 are congested, often causing delays. Local streets like 4th Street North and Roosevelt Boulevard are epicenters, particularly during the worst traffic hours.