Tampa, FL drivers are definitely familiar with the growing traffic pains of Tampa – especially those who commute to work on a daily basis. Aerial views of the Howard Frankland Bridge on the morning news coverage of rush hour traffic can be the cause of stress for many locals.
Tampa natives have recognized that the traffic is getting increasingly worse but do not understand why. Here are the leading causes of traffic, and what can be done to avoid it.
Contents
Tampa’s Growing Population
The first and most obvious reason leading to growing traffic is Tampa’s growing population. According to the World Population Review, Tampa’s population has been on a growing rate close to three percent (3%) annually – that trend is not expected to slow down any time soon. Most of this population is attracted to the Tampa-Bay area with a population growing close to 3 million residents. Additionally, the Greater-Tampa Area population brings that number closer to 5 million residents. Although this has a positive impact on Tampa’s economy, it has a consequential negative impact on the city – and that is the growing traffic.
Tampa’s Growing Infrastructure
The second reason, although less obvious than the first, is just as impactful and that is the impact of the ongoing construction. With the expansion of any city comes the expansion of infrastructure. This includes the expansion of highways, roads, and new housing. All of the hustle and bustle of the city inevitably leads to more construction – and unfortunately, more traffic.
Tampa’s Layout
There is a common belief that the larger a city grows; the more suburbs will appear. This will eventually lead to the more individuals commuting to the metropolitan area and thus creating more traffic. This belief seems to be proven true by the expansion of the city of Tampa. The geography of this expanding city, coupled with the limited means of travelling from one part of the city to the other, greatly contribute to the traffic jams.
How to avoid the Traffic?
- Carpooling: As is true in any other major city in the United States, traffic can be greatly decreased by carpooling. This concept greatly decreases the number of vehicles commuting to and from different part of the city.
- Avoid Rush Hour: The only good thing about rush hour traffic is knowing when it is likely to occur. Once one establishes the knowledge of Tampa’s rush hour traffic, it will then be easy to navigate around it. Oftentimes, commuting prior to or after known rush hour traffic will greatly decrease the probability of being stuck in a traffic jam.
- Avoid Construction: A great way to avoid traffic jams is to avoid construction areas. Commuters who frequent the same route will become aware of known construction and thus be able to avoid it.
- Be Aware of Big Events: With big cities, comes big events. Staying current with events around the city that would lead to road blocks is monumental in saving time navigating the city.