ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you commute between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, it's likely you use the Howard Frankland Bridge. 

But the Gandy Bridge, which sees much less traffic, takes essentially the same route.

A Spectrum Bay News 9 viewer would like to see it marked officially as an alternate route.

"You know, going to the airport, I'm always stuck on the (Howard Frankland) bridge trying to get to the airport,” said David Margolis. “And there's often traffic on I-275 going north, and the bridge is backed up."

While the majority of residents know you can take Gandy Boulevard into Tampa from St. Pete, there is no marking on the interstate signs saying so.

"I don't think a lot of tourists and people that are new to the area realize there is a second alternative to get to Tampa,” Margolis said. “Everything is directed toward the Howard Frankland Bridge."

He believes a simple change in signage could help lessen traffic on the Howard Frankland.

"I would like some type of signage on 275 that indicates Gandy Bridge, Tampa, or maybe south Tampa, just to let people know there is an alternative,” he said.

There is a sign prior to the exit that mentions Gandy Boulevard, but not access to south Tampa at the exit.

According to Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson Kris Carson, there is a reason for that.

“The system of guide signing used by the department is consistent with the provisions found in the federal/USDOT Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,” Carson said. “The guidelines provide recommendations to provide the most-direct route to major cities such as Tampa.

“Therefore, while the Gandy Bridge will provide access to Tampa, the preferred route for traffic on I-275 (NB) is to remain on I-275 and exit to downtown Tampa.”

With current GPS technology, most mapping software will alert drivers to traffic jams ahead and reroute based on the fastest available route.