New I-275 express lanes and shared-use path open on Howard Frankland Bridge
/Image of shared use path and lookout point on the new Howard Frankland Bridge looking west | fdot
Motorists now have a quicker way to travel between St. Pete and Tampa.
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 27th, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) opened the new northbound I-275 express lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge, along with a new pedestrian and bicycle trail.
The express lanes and trail are major components of the $972.5 million bridge replacement and improvement project, which began in 2020.
The new express lanes extend from 4th Street North in St. Petersburg to just north of the bridge in Tampa.
Running in the median of I-275, the lanes are separated from general traffic by barrier walls and flexible delineator poles.
FDOT contractors are expected to open the southbound express lanes over the next several nights, weather permitting.
The express lanes are currently toll-free during the ongoing testing phase. Once testing is complete, tolls will be collected electronically 24/7 through SunPass or other Florida-compatible transponders. Cash and TOLL-BY-PLATE will not be accepted.
The new traffic pattern with the I-275 express lanes | fdot
Alongside the new lanes, FDOT also opened a 12-foot-wide, barrier-separated shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists along the north side of the new Howard Frankland Bridge.
The nearly seven-mile trail includes four shaded overlooks with sail-inspired canopies where users can stop and take in views of Tampa Bay.
The path is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with access points at the north end of 4th Street North in St. Petersburg and the south end of Reo Street in Tampa.
FDOT is also working to expand access to the trail through several active construction projects. One of the largest is a new shared-use path along the west side of 4th Street North from Gandy Boulevard to I-275 in St. Pete.
Separated from vehicular traffic, the path is designed to accommodate both pedestrians and bicyclists while improving safety and encouraging alternatives to driving.
FDOT says the project will help reduce congestion and support more connected, walkable communities.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.
The new shared-use path on the howard frankland bridge | FDOT
Additional future connections from Ulmerton Road in St. Petersburg and Reo Street in Tampa are also under construction as part of separate projects.
The opening of the new express lanes and shared-use path marks another major milestone in the multi-year Howard Frankland Bridge project.
Just over a year ago, FDOT opened the new southbound I-275 bridge to traffic.
The project is being led by Archer Western Construction, part of the Chicago-based Walsh Group, in partnership with Traylor Bros. Inc.
FDOT is reminding motorists to slow down, follow posted speed limits, and remain alert for construction crews and vehicles, as the area remains an active work zone.
