The newly opened southbound span of the Howard Frankland Bridge connects Tampa and St. Petersburg, enhancing daily commutes.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesThe Howard Frankland Bridge has officially opened its new southbound span, significantly enhancing the daily commute for Tampa and St. Petersburg residents. This $865 million project, part of the ongoing upgrades to the aging infrastructure, will alleviate congestion and improve travel safety. The new stretch includes four general-use lanes and plans for additional express lanes by 2026. Enhanced pathways for pedestrians and cyclists are also being added, making it a vital link for all transportation modes in the Tampa Bay area.
Great news for the residents of Tampa and St. Petersburg! The brand-new southbound span of the Howard Frankland Bridge officially swung open to traffic on March 25, 2025, just in time for the morning rush hour. This much-anticipated addition is set to revolutionize how folks travel between these two vibrant cities, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
The Howard Frankland Bridge is not just any bridge; it’s a crucial link on I-275 that serves about 200,000 vehicles each day. That’s right! It’s crazily more traffic than all other bridges in the Tampa Bay area combined. With the original bridge opening its gates in 1960 and adding a second span in 1990, the need for an upgrade was clear. Recognizing the signs of time, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) kick-started this $865 million project back in 2017 to replace the aging infrastructure.
The new southbound stretch comes packed with four lanes of general-use traffic, designed to improve flow and minimize congestion, especially during peak hours. But hold your horses! That’s not all. In a cherry-on-top moment, an additional four express lanes—two in each direction—are expected to greet us in 2026, boosting the overall capacity by a stunning 50%. Now that’s a significant improvement!
For those using the northbound lanes, don’t get too comfortable just yet! Traffic will continue to roll along existing routes until summer 2025. At that point, it’s all about shifting lanes as northbound traffic takes over the former southbound span so that the original bridge, built in 1959, can be gradually demolished, with completion expected by 2026.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, though. Like many projects during recent times, the new bridge faced its fair share of challenges, including delays due to COVID-19 and various supply chain issues. However, despite these hiccups, FDOT officials are confident that the new span showcases advanced engineering techniques, high-strength concrete, and state-of-the-art drainage systems aimed at boosting durability and safety for everyone.
As the ribbon-cutting on this beautiful new span marks a new chapter for Tampa and St. Pete, the excitement is palpable. FDOT officials stress that this significant investment in infrastructure is a big win for the entire Tampa Bay region. With ongoing improvements set to shape the area further, residents can look forward to smoother commutes and a safer travel experience.
So, whether you’re commuting to work, heading out for a weekend adventure, or just cruising for some fun, the new southbound span of the Howard Frankland Bridge will surely make your travel a little sweeter. Buckle up, Tampa Bay—your bridge to the future is here!
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