New Howard Frankland Bridge Opens in St. Petersburg, FL

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningInnovationNews

The new Howard Frankland Bridge awaits its inauguration, promising to transform transportation in the region.

News Summary

St. Petersburg is set for a transportation revolution with the opening of the new Howard Frankland Bridge. After years of construction, the bridge will serve thousands of drivers daily, featuring four general-use lanes and dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. The project, costing $865 million, is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve daily commutes. As the northbound bridge is slated for demolition later this summer, residents and commuters alike can look forward to a more efficient route connecting St. Petersburg and Tampa.

Exciting New Bridge Set to Open in St. Petersburg, FL!

St. Petersburg residents, get ready for an incredible transport transformation! The highly anticipated new Howard Frankland Bridge is officially ready to welcome traffic after years of meticulous construction. Thrilling, isn’t it?

The Big Reveal

On a bright and sunny Monday morning, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials gathered for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the project. This is an emotional moment for many, as they have watched this mega project develop over the years.

What’s New?

So, what can you expect when the official switch takes place overnight on Monday? Well, drivers will first experience the new bridge during their morning commute on Tuesday, March 25! Buckle up folks; this bridge is going to change the daily grind for thousands.

The new structure boasts an impressive design, featuring four general-use lanes for traffic heading from Tampa to St. Petersburg. But that’s not all! It will also include four express lanes (two in each direction) that are projected to open next year. Can you say “smooth sailing”?

A Bridge for Everyone

In addition to vehicle lanes, the new bridge provides dedicated pathways for both pedestrians and cyclists. Imagine zipping across the bridge on your bike or strolling leisurely while enjoying beautiful views. A lovely thought, right?

Traffic Changes Ahead

Starting Tuesday, drivers on I-275 traveling from Tampa to St. Petersburg will experience a reshuffle as they are diverted onto the new bridge. For now, the new structure will only service southbound traffic, with northbound traffic continuing to utilize the existing lanes until the summer.

What about the old bridge, you ask? Built back in 1959, the aging northbound bridge is nearing the end of its usable life. Fear not! Once traffic is fully switched over this summer, the historic northbound bridge will be carefully dismantled in pieces.

By the Numbers

Now, let’s talk about the price tag! The total cost of this massive project is a whopping $865 million, first announced back in 2017, with construction kicking off in 2020. The new Howard Frankland Bridge is expected to accommodate around 200,000 vehicles daily, making it the busiest corridor in the Tampa Bay area!

As drivers will soon find out, the general-use lanes on the new bridge will function as the I-275 southbound lanes. Meanwhile, the current southbound bridge will become the new northbound lanes. Once fully operational by 2026, this project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and substantially improve travel times. When the final pieces are in place, it’ll help achieve a 50% increase in capacity. Wow!

Design Features That Impress

One standout feature of the new bridge is that it rises a remarkable 10 feet higher than the existing structure. This means it proudly holds the title of Florida’s largest bridge by surface area! Additionally, engineers constructed the bridge with concrete barriers that protect against saltwater damage, promising to elevate its lifespan to a robust 100 years. Now that’s what we call planning for the future!

What Lies Ahead?

Future tasks involve the demolition of the old northbound lanes and the project’s finalization by 2026. Meanwhile, those looking to engage in some outdoor activity will also look forward to the opening of a 12-foot bicycle and pedestrian trail with scenic lookout points next year. What a bonus!

As the moment approaches for the new Howard Frankland Bridge to open, excitement is palpable. It promises to change the way thousands of people commute between St. Petersburg and Tampa and make travel more enjoyable. Buckle up, St. Petersburg! An exciting new era of transportation is right around the corner!