PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. - Some new signals and signs showing up on the interstate in Pinellas County will keep transit riders moving at a pace greater than crawling interstate traffic.

Spectrum Bay News 9 viewer Ron Lupien reached out after spotting one of the signs on the I-275 Northbound 38th Avenue entrance ramp in St. Petersburg.

“I see two traffic signals that have a sign on it that says, one vehicle per green,” he said.

In a partnership with Pinellas Suncoat Transit Authority, the state plans to widen the existing interstate shoulders between 5th Avenue North and Gandy Boulevard to create a ”bus on shoulder” lane.

"We have two cross streets - 38th Ave. on-ramps north and southbound, and 54th Ave north and southbound,” said the Florida Department of Transportation’s Kris Carson. “The drivers will see a sign with a flashing yellow light. No ramp metering at 22th Ave."

When complete, buses will be allowed to use the interstate shoulders at speeds of up to 35 mph when the mainline speed falls below that.  

This will accomplish two things. First, it will give transit riders an edge in cutting through interstate backups, giving riders more reliable transit schedule times. But it will also create emergency evacuation lanes and better access for first responders to crashes.