After years of planning, delays, and anticipation, the brand-new Howard Frankland Bridge is now open, marking a significant milestone in Florida’s infrastructure. This $865 million project, initially announced in 2017, is a crucial upgrade to I-275’s congested corridor between Tampa and St. Petersburg. With an estimated 250,000 vehicles using the bridge daily, this expansion promises to revolutionize daily commutes, reduce gridlock, and make travel between the two cities far more efficient.
A New Era of Travel: What’s Open and What’s Coming
Currently, the new Howard Frankland Bridge accommodates four lanes of southbound traffic. But that’s just the beginning. By 2026, the bridge will feature four express lanes—two dedicated to northbound travelers from St. Pete to Tampa and two for southbound commuters heading into St. Petersburg. A much-anticipated bicycle and pedestrian trail is also in the works, adding an essential new link between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. For those who prefer two wheels over four, this means a scenic and safe route across the bay like never before.
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