On March 25, a significant milestone was reached as a new span of Florida’s Howard Frankland Bridge, which crosses Old Tampa Bay and connects Tampa and St. Petersburg, was officially opened to the public. With a cost of $865.3 million, this expansion is now the most expensive bridge project in the state's history, surpassing all previous records, according to Axios.

The project was led by a design-build joint venture comprising Archer Western, an Atlanta-based firm, and Traylor Bros., based in Evansville, Indiana. The newly completed bridge serves as the southbound section of I-275, providing four general-use lanes for traffic. Additionally, the bridge includes four express lanes—two in each direction—that are expected to be opened next year, as reported by Tampa Bay Times.

Major Traffic Changes and Long-Term Plans

The new southbound span now accommodates four lanes of traffic, while the original southbound bridge, located beside it, will now carry northbound vehicles. However, the full completion of the project is not expected until the spring of 2026. At that point, the original northbound bridge, which first opened in 1960, will be dismantled, according to project details.

This vital transport route serves as one of the most heavily used highways in the region, with an average of 250,000 vehicles crossing the Howard Frankland Bridge daily, as noted by Axios.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway Under Construction

In addition to the bridge, a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian pathway, separated from the traffic lanes, is currently under construction. This new pathway is expected to be completed by 2026, providing safer and more convenient travel options for non-motorized users.

State-of-the-Art Construction Techniques

The Howard Frankland Bridge expansion project employed state-of-the-art construction techniques, including the use of innovative materials and cutting-edge engineering methods to ensure the bridge’s longevity and safety. The design-build approach allowed for streamlined coordination between contractors and the Florida Department of Transportation, which ultimately helped expedite the project timeline while maintaining high standards of quality.

The Howard Frankland Bridge project highlights the growing need for infrastructure improvements in Florida as the state experiences continued population growth and increased traffic congestion. By modernizing key transportation routes like I-275, the state is positioning itself to handle future demands on its transportation network.

Boosting Regional Connectivity

The expansion also plays a crucial role in improving regional connectivity. The Howard Frankland Bridge connects Tampa and St. Petersburg, two major cities that serve as economic hubs for the state of Florida. By improving the flow of traffic and introducing express lanes, the expansion will help alleviate congestion and improve travel times for commuters and visitors alike.

The completed expansion is seen as a key step in meeting the growing transportation needs of Florida’s residents and businesses. With the projected completion of the bicycle and pedestrian pathways, as well as the opening of express lanes, the Howard Frankland Bridge will become a more accessible and efficient corridor for all travelers in the region.

As the project nears full completion in 2026, it stands as a testament to Florida’s commitment to investing in its infrastructure to support future growth and ensure the safety and convenience of its residents.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.