News Summary
The 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.
Exciting Times for Tampa and St. Petersburg as Howard Frankland Bridge Gets New Southbound Span
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!
A Vital Link for the Region
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.
Shaping the Future of Commute
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!
Improvements for All
Staying the Course with Traffic
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.
Challenges Along the Way
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.
A Bright Spot for the Tampa Bay Region
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!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Howard Frankland Bridge Opens
- Wikipedia: Howard Frankland Bridge
- WTSP: New Howard Frankland Bridge Opening
- Google Search: Howard Frankland Bridge
- ABC Action News: New Howard Frankland Bridge to Open
- Google Scholar: Howard Frankland Bridge
- St. Pete Catalyst: New Span of Howard Frankland Bridge Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Howard Frankland Bridge
- St. Pete Rising: New Howard Frankland Bridge Opens
- Google News: Howard Frankland Bridge
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
