Hwy 589, Veterans Parkway starts at the Tampa airport and heads north. Exit at Hwy 54 and go east about 14 miles to I-75. Hwy 54 is a divided highway with some intersections, but even at 5:00 one weekday afternoon I averaged 40-50 mph for the whole stretch. On that occasion I came into Tampa on I-275. Traffic was moving, but slow, but in the northbound lane it was backed up for a couple of miles due to an accident. I knew I would get caught in this delay on my way back, so I took Veterans instead. It added about 10 minutes to my entire trip. My best recollection is 3 toll booths: .50, .50 & $1. On another occasion I was approaching the junction of I-75 and I-275 on my way to the airport. Suddenly the traffic slowed and I decided to get off I-75 at exit 275. It leads to Hwy 54 and Veterans. Again, smooth sailing all the way to the airport. (Note that Exit 275 from I-75 is NOT I-275, which splits from I-75 just a mile or two south of exit 275). My advice is that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with where each route is so that you can concentrate on the traffic conditions and make a last minute decision depending on the situation.
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