News Summary
The highly anticipated new Howard Frankland Bridge between Tampa and St. Petersburg is set to open on March 24, 2024. With a cost of $865 million, it will be the most expensive bridge in Florida, featuring upgrades that include eight lanes for smoother traffic, a separate pedestrian and bike trail, and sustainable practices for recycling materials from the old bridge. The community is excited about the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a major milestone in improving connectivity and travel in the region.
Excitement Builds as Tampa and St. Petersburg Prepare for the New Howard Frankland Bridge
Get ready, Tampa and St. Petersburg! The new Howard Frankland Bridge is set to open on March 24, 2024, and it’s going to change the way we travel between these two buzzing cities. With a jaw-dropping cost of $865 million, this bridge isn’t just a new addition to the skyline; it’s officially the most expensive bridge ever built in Florida!
Rising Higher and Safer
This bridge isn’t just about looks; it also comes with some serious upgrades! Standing a whopping 10 feet taller than its predecessor, it boasts the title of Florida’s largest bridge by surface area. With an impressive design capable of handling 250,000 vehicles daily, it’s clear that this new infrastructure isn’t just for show; it’s built to serve!
A Smooth Ride Awaits
The new layout offers eight lanes to help ease the notorious traffic that has been buzzed about for years. Expect a mix of four general use lanes and four express lanes to get you where you need to go faster than ever. Construction on this massive project began in 2020, as traffic had already seen an alarming spike of 50% since 2006. Now, with express lanes running in both directions—two heading to Tampa and two to St. Petersburg—motorists can look forward to a much smoother commute.
Making the Old, New Again
You might be wondering what will happen to the existing bridge once the new one is opened. Great news! The southbound bridge will be repurposed for northbound traffic. It’s eco-friendly, too, with materials from the old structure being recycled. Talk about sustainability!
Safe and Accessible for Everyone
But it’s not just cars that will benefit from this upgrade. A separate 12-foot trail for pedestrians and bicycles will allow folks to cross the bay safely and enjoy the views along the way. Along this trail, travelers can also expect four covered stops, making it a pleasant journey whether you’re walking, biking, or just taking a break.
Built to Last
Worried about longevity? You shouldn’t be! This bridge has been designed with extra-thick concrete barriers to fight off saltwater damage and aims for a lifespan of up to 100 years. The construction team worked diligently through various weather challenges, including several hurricanes, and by December 2024, all support and foundational work will be wrapped up.
A Community Celebration
The ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for March 24 at 10 a.m. is a date marked for celebration. It promises to be a fun occasion as local officials gather to mark the completion of this ambitious project. In the spirit of community development, this bridge is also part of broader improvements, including the Westshore Interchange, set to further enhance local connectivity.
What Lies Ahead
While the express lanes’ costs haven’t been disclosed yet, the anticipation is palpable for what this new bridge will offer to the thousands of travelers who rely on this route every day. Looking ahead, the overall project, including the demolition of the old northbound section of the original bridge, is expected to be fully completed by 2026.
So, whether you’re commuting to work, heading out for some weekend fun, or enjoying a bike ride, the new Howard Frankland Bridge is set to make life easier and more enjoyable between Tampa and St. Petersburg!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tampa Bay to Inaugurate New Southbound I-275 Bridge
Tragic Vehicle Crash on I-4 in Tampa Claims Life
Tampa Bay Emerges as Top Destination for New Residents
New Howard Frankland Bridge Nears Completion in Tampa Bay
Multi-Vehicle Crashes Cause Major Traffic Delays in Tampa Area
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Howard Frankland Bridge
- St. Peter Rising
- Google Search: New Howard Frankland Bridge
- Roads & Bridges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Howard Frankland Bridge
- Patch
- Google News: Howard Frankland Bridge
