The Florida Department of Transportation briefed Tampa City Council on several highway and corridor projects that intersect with city plans and projects.

Highlights from FDOT (presented by Brian Hunter, with local mobility staff Brandon Campbell introducing):
- Doyle Carlton connection: FDOT completed a sidewalk connection and raised crossing north of the I‑275 ramp to connect Tampa Street with Waterworks Park; the work was noted as heavily used.
- I‑275 landscaping: A landscaping project slated to begin early next year will plant about 900 trees and 3,300 plants between Florida Avenue and Hillsborough Avenue with attention to Robles Park and selections of Florida‑friendly, low‑maintenance species.
- Ashley Drive / Scott Street ramps: FDOT is coordinating interim traffic accommodations while long‑term ramp rebuilds are scheduled later in the work program (2030s). The agency plans interim widening of the Scott Street off‑ramp to add a dedicated turn lane to Tampa Avenue during construction phasing.
- Howard Frankland Bridge: FDOT expects the Howard Frankland Bridge work to wrap up early next year and includes a bicycle and pedestrian facility on the north side that will connect to the city and regional trail network.
- Downtown operations and West Shore interchange: FDOT said the downtown operational and safety improvement project will likely finish around spring–summer 2027. The West Shore interchange project is planned to start construction early next year with completion around 2031–2032; FDOT said it has completed several early works measures to manage traffic during construction.

Council response and next steps: Council members thanked FDOT for coordination and asked FDOT to ensure underpass/mixed-use path continuity under I‑275 as West Shore improvements proceed, to avoid creating access gaps in the north–south mixed-use network.