TAMPA (FOX 13) -
The drive along Interstate 275 through Tampa took quite a bit more time than usual for many motorists Thursday morning.
That's because the Howard-Armenia exit on the southbound lanes is now on the left instead of right side of the interstate.
FDOT crews made change overnight.
The switch caused big traffic backups through rush hour Thursday morning, all the way east to Interstate 4.
Some drivers said the backups added 45 minutes to their drive.
LINK: Live traffic conditions
Other drivers said once they exited the interstate, there was a long wait to get through the traffic lights at Howard and Armenia.
The Himes Avenue exit has also changed: it is still on the right-hand side of the interstate, but it is now much closer to the Howard-Armenia exits.
Transportation officials advise drivers to use extra caution through the area.
The changes are part of a massive, $215 million interstate widening project expected to be complete in 2014.
More information about the project: http://www.tbinterstates.com/projects/projectinfo.asp?projectid=202
