I - 4 to Tampa...

[TheresaNY]

We will be staying at WL this summer but plan on driving over to visit our former neighbors who recently moved to "New Tampa". Mapquest says it's about 73 miles but my friends say the traffic on I-4 is HORRIBLE at all times of the day. How long should we allow to get there? We will be going on Thursday 6/30/05 and hoped to be on the road by 8 or 9 am and return sometime after dinner. Any info. and suggestions would be greatly appreciated !!

 

[localdriver]

We will be staying at WL this summer but plan on driving over to visit our former neighbors who recently moved to "New Tampa". Mapquest says it's about 73 miles but my friends say the traffic on I-4 is HORRIBLE at all times of the day. How long should we allow to get there? We will be going on Thursday 6/30/05 and hoped to be on the road by 8 or 9 am and return sometime after dinner. Any info. and suggestions would be greatly appreciated !!

It can be bad! Expect 1.5 hrs. Avoid 10pm to 5am, lane closures. After ST RD 27(exit 55) to Tampa is ok. Coming back, expect delays from marker 48 to 65 or so.

 

[LegoMom3]

My dad lives in St. Pete, so we've had the misfortune of experiencing I-4 many times! It always seems to be under construction at one point or another. Traffic is heavy most of the time but in/near Tampa itself it is a nightmare during the am & pm commutes. I would agree with the above poster on counting on a good 1.5 hours.