News Summary
The Howard Frankland Bridge will have all northbound travel lanes closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Thursday due to ongoing construction. Motorists should expect significant disruptions and plan detours using Roosevelt Boulevard, Gandy Boulevard, and Dale Mabry Highway. This closure is necessary for installing overhead signs as part of a broader project to enhance transportation infrastructure between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, with similar closures expected on future dates.
Tampa, FL – All northbound travel lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge will be closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Thursday, weather permitting. This closure is part of the ongoing construction for the new southbound Howard Frankland Bridge project, which connects Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Motorists are urged to plan ahead for this significant disruption.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has outlined a specific detour route for drivers impacted by the closure. Vehicles traveling northbound on I-275 will be directed to exit at Gandy Boulevard (Exit 28). Electronic signs and temporary markers will be in place to guide drivers along a posted detour route utilizing Roosevelt Boulevard, Gandy Boulevard, and Dale Mabry Highway.
Due to the expected traffic congestion and slowdowns along these detour routes, FDOT recommends that motorists allocate extra travel time. Alternate recommended routes include the Roosevelt Boulevard, Bayside Bridge, Courtney Campbell Causeway, and Memorial Highway, providing additional options for drivers looking to navigate the area more efficiently.
This overnight closure is essential for crews to install overhead sign structures as part of the broader construction effort. Similar nightly closures are anticipated in the near future, specifically scheduled for Monday, February 10, and Tuesday, February 11, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on both nights. These temporary closures will continue as necessary until the sign installations are completed.
The nearly billion-dollar project to replace the Howard Frankland Bridge began in 2020 and is set for completion in 2026. This extensive undertaking aims to modernize the existing bridge and improve transportation infrastructure across the critical link between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. The new bridge project is expected to enhance safety and traffic flow in the area, which sees significant daily commuter traffic.
As construction progresses, these types of closures will become more frequent, compelling drivers to stay informed about project timelines and potential impacts on their travel plans. The FDOT is committed to providing timely updates and resources to ensure that all motorists can navigate the changes effectively.
Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions before embarking on their journeys during the work period and to remain patient as improvements continue to unfold in this busy transportation corridor.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP News
- Wikipedia: Howard Frankland Bridge
- My Suncoast
- Google Search: Howard Frankland Bridge construction
- Fox 13 News
- Google Scholar: Florida Department of Transportation
- Suncoast News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation Infrastructure
- WFLA News
- Google News: Howard Frankland Bridge updates

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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