Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Smooth opening for Crosstown

By Times Staff
Published July 18, 2006

	[Times photo: Skip O'Rourke]
	The first cars on the Crosstown Expressway's elevated section leave Brandon toward Tampa this morning.
	[Times photo: Ken Helle]
	A driver exits the new elevated portion of the Crosstown Expressway early Tuesday morning, crossing Twiggs Street and continuing on Meridian Street.
	Go to Times video Today, some will take the high road It's Your Times: Did you ride the Crosstown this morning? How was it? Graphic: Elevated express lane

The elevated lanes of the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway opened at 6 a.m. Tuesday, offering drivers an upper-deck alternative to the sluggish morning commute from Brandon to Tampa.

Tuesday’s opening came more than two years after a devastating collapse that added about $100-million to the price tag.

For now, drivers will be allowed on the road only from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and only westbound toward Tampa. The reversible afternoon lanes headed east should open in late August, officials said.

The new toll road is open only to drivers with a SunPass transponder.

[Last modified July 18, 2006, 13:50:41]