New Southbound Span of Howard Frankland Bridge Opens, Easing Traffic Between Tampa and St. Petersburg
The new southbound span of the Howard Frankland Bridge is now open, bringing a major change for commuters traveling between Tampa and St. Petersburg. This critical route, part of I-275, has been a key link for hundreds of thousands of drivers since the original bridge opened in 1960.
After years of construction, the new bridge, which cost $865 million, is finally operational. The new span carries four lanes of southbound traffic and will eventually include four express lanes, set to open next year. This expansion is expected to increase capacity by 50% once fully operational in early 2026.
In addition to the new lanes, a separate pathway for bicyclists and pedestrians is also being constructed. Northbound traffic will remain in its current lanes until this summer when it will shift to the former southbound span. The old northbound bridge, nearing the end of its lifespan, will be demolished gradually, with the entire project set to be completed by 2026.
The Florida Department of Transportation and FOX 13 News have provided information on this significant development. Stay connected with FOX 13 Tampa for more updates on this project and other news in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.