August 20, 2025

Traffic Disruptions on I-275 Due to Crashes and Rain

News Summary

A series of crashes on I-275 in the Tampa Bay area caused significant traffic disruptions on a rainy Thursday morning. Multiple incidents led to lane closures in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, exacerbating the already challenging driving conditions. While no injuries were reported from earlier accidents, the Thursday morning chaos showcased the need for caution during inclement weather. Authorities urged drivers to allow extra travel time and stay alert as emergency crews responded to ongoing traffic issues.

Tampa Bay Area—A series of crashes on Interstate 275 (I-275) led to significant traffic disruptions across the Tampa Bay area, particularly during a rainy Thursday morning. While a previous incident on Monday afternoon involved three vehicles, including a tow truck, authorities reported no injuries from that crash. However, multiple collisions on Thursday morning led to lane closures and delays across several regions in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

On Monday, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to a crash in the northbound lanes of I-275, which resulted in heavy traffic congestion but was cleared by 5:30 p.m., ensuring normal traffic flow resumed before evening rush hour. The incident did not result in any injuries, but it showcased the potential for serious road disturbances even during typical driving conditions.

In a more chaotic situation on Thursday morning, rain caused a series of crashes, starting just before 6 a.m. A truck loss on I-275 South at the ramp to eastbound I-175 in St. Petersburg blocked the right lanes and complicated traffic flow in that area. Moments later, another crash on I-275 South at Ulmerton Road obstructed three left lanes, compounding the traffic issues that drivers were already experiencing.

Additionally, a crash on I-275 North near Roosevelt Boulevard just before 6 a.m. stalled traffic for several hours as one right lane was blocked. Yet, following efforts by the emergency responders, that lane was cleared later in the morning.

As the morning progressed, crashes continued to disrupt traffic. A vehicle accident on I-275 Express South at 4th Street led to a temporary shutdown of the on-ramp before the Howard Frankland Bridge. Furthermore, reports indicated that a car lost its tire on the northbound on-ramp beyond I-4, closing one right lane shortly before 7:30 a.m.

Another significant incident occurred on I-275 North before I-4 in Hillsborough County, where a crash involving multiple vehicles blocked three right lanes, causing extensive backups that extended for miles. Thankfully, those lanes were reopened later in the morning. Additionally, a vehicle flip was reported on I-275 North at I-75 in Manatee County around 7:15 a.m. However, all lanes were eventually cleared after the incident was resolved.

As the day progressed, another crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. on I-275 southbound at Fletcher Avenue, temporarily halting all traffic in that area due to reported injuries. Emergency crews responded quickly, and once they cleared the scene, traffic patterns returned to normal for drivers navigating through Fletcher Avenue.

On Tuesday morning, further complications arose as crews responded to another accident on I-275 southbound near Sligh Avenue around 6 a.m., which once again blocked the right lane of traffic. This incident led to backups extending past Fletcher Avenue, illustrating the ongoing struggle for smooth traffic flow in the area due to unpredictable occurrences of accidents.

In a summary of events, the anticipation of rain can lead to unfortunate traffic incidents, as demonstrated on Thursday morning. Drivers are reminded to exercise caution during inclement weather to help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

As traffic authorities work to improve safety and monitor high-volume routes like I-275, regular commuters are advised to remain attentive and allow additional travel time during periods of bad weather or when accidents occur.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Traffic Alerts Impacting Tampa Bay Area Commuters
Traffic Disruptions Continue on I-75 in Hillsborough County
Tampa Area Vehicle Crashes Result in Multiple Fatalities and Injuries
I-275 Reopens After Multiple Vehicle Crashes in Tampa
Police Investigation into Hit-and-Run Incidents in Tampa
Traffic Crash Closes Bloomingdale Avenue in Hillsborough County
Traffic Disruptions in Tampa Bay Area Due to Rain and Crashes
Howard Frankland Bridge Northbound Lanes Closed Overnight
Howard Frankland Bridge Construction Update
High-Speed Chase on Gandy Bridge Ends in Crash

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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