The highly anticipated new Howard Frankland Bridge span is officially open, marking a major milestone in Tampa Bay’s infrastructure. First announced in 2017, the $865 million project aims to ease congestion and improve traffic flow on I‑275 between St. Petersburg and Tampa. (We’re still hoping for high‑speed rail service in the region.)
Currently, the new bridge features four lanes of southbound traffic, but more improvements are on the way. By 2026, four express lanes will be added—two dedicated to northbound traffic heading into Tampa and two for southbound commuters traveling into St. Pete. A dedicated bicycle and pedestrian trail is also set to open in 2026, creating a vital new link between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
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New Howard Frankland Bridge welcomes its first commuters
On Monday, March 24, FDOT hosted a ribbon‑cutting ceremony ahead of the overnight traffic shift onto the new bridge. Now, the existing southbound span is being converted to handle northbound traffic, while the current northbound bridge—built in the 1990s—is set for demolition once the final lane realignments are complete, expected to occur sometime in 2026.
Standing about 10 feet higher than its predecessor, the new Howard Frankland Bridge is now Florida’s largest bridge by square footage. With an estimated 250,000 vehicles crossing daily, this critical connection between St. Pete and Tampa is one of the region’s busiest thoroughfares. Officials expect the expanded lanes and modern design to reduce travel times and create a smoother, more efficient commute for residents and visitors alike.
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