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.
Ribbon-Cutting and a Major Overnight Shift
To commemorate this historic project, FDOT hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 24, before shifting traffic onto the new bridge overnight. The existing southbound span will soon be repurposed to handle northbound traffic, while the current northbound bridge, which has stood since the 1990s, is set to be demolished once the final traffic realignment is complete.
A Massive Feat of Engineering
Standing 10 feet higher than its predecessor, the new Howard Frankland Bridge now holds the title of Florida’s largest bridge by square footage. This added height helps mitigate flooding risks and ensures greater resilience against storms—a crucial factor given Florida’s unpredictable weather. The advanced design, coupled with expanded lanes, is expected to provide smoother, more efficient traffic flow, making daily commutes far less stressful.
The Future of Commuting in Tampa Bay
The completion of this bridge isn’t just about traffic relief—it’s about economic growth, improved safety, and better connectivity. The Howard Frankland Bridge has long been a vital artery linking Tampa and St. Petersburg, and this expansion signals a commitment to modernizing Florida’s infrastructure. For drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike, this is more than just a bridge—it’s a lifeline to a better commute and a brighter future.
Imagine gliding across the bay, no honking horns, no bumper-to-bumper traffic, just open lanes stretching before you. That future is here, and it starts with the Howard Frankland Bridge.
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