New Howard Frankland Bridge opens next week after four years of construction
/the new howard frankland bridge is opening to commuters later this month | FDOT
After four years of construction, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will open the new Howard Frankland Bridge on Tuesday, March 25th.
Weather permitting, traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge late Monday night into early Tuesday morning.
FDOT officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 24th, at 10 a.m. for the new $865 million span, which serves motorists traveling on Interstate 275 between Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The new bridge features eight lanes: four general-use lanes in each direction, two tolled express lanes southbound (toward St. Petersburg), and two tolled express lanes northbound (toward Tampa).
Currently, 250,000 drivers cross the Howard Frankland Bridge daily, making it the most heavily traveled bridge connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The new bridge features eight lanes: four general-use lanes in each direction, two tolled express lanes southbound (toward St. Petersburg), and two tolled express lanes northbound (toward Tampa) | FDOT
Officials say the new three-mile bridge will help alleviate congestion, reduce travel times, and improve emergency management and hurricane evacuation efforts.
The structure also includes concrete barriers designed to protect against saltwater damage, extending the bridge’s lifespan to at least 100 years.
Rising 10 feet higher than the existing bridge, the new span is now Florida’s largest bridge by surface area.
However, additional work remains, with the full project expected to be completed in 2026.
The current northbound bridge, which opened in 1960, will be demolished in 2026.
Additionally, the express lanes and a dedicated 12-foot bicycle and pedestrian trail with several lookout points will open next year.
The project is being led by Archer Western Construction, part of the Chicago-based Walsh Group, in partnership with Traylor Bros. Inc.
