News Summary
In St. Petersburg, the long-awaited bridge replacement project in Tanglewood is back on track after years of delays. Following the default of the previous contractor, Denson Construction has stepped in to complete the project. Residents are filled with hope as they witness the progress on the bridge that serves as the only entry and exit for their community. This project is part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative by Pinellas County, aiming to enhance connectivity and resolve ongoing issues with other local projects.
Exciting News for St. Petersburg Residents: Bridge Construction Resumes!
In the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, there’s a wave of relief and hope coursing through the Tanglewood neighborhood as the long-delayed bridge replacement project is officially back on track! After years of restrictions and frustration, residents can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with construction resuming on the bridge that serves as the only entry and exit for their tight-knit community.
An Ongoing Struggle
For several years, the bridge has been limited to a single lane, an arrangement that has caused major headaches for locals. Many felt left in the dark with little updated information about when relief would arrive. The situation became even more complicated when the original contractor, American Empire Builders, defaulted on the job, leaving the project only 40% complete and the community more anxious than ever.
However, following some legal proceedings, St. Petersburg city officials have swiftly stepped in to change the narrative. In October, Lakeland-based Denson Construction was chosen to take on the task of finishing this crucial project, which comes with an estimated cost of over $3 million. With fresh eyes and a dedicated team, residents are starting to notice visible progress, and the excitement is palpable!
Hope on the Horizon
As construction work progresses, Tanglewood locals are experiencing a renewed sense of optimism. The new crew on site is hard at work, and neighbors are eagerly chatting about the changes they’re witnessing. After so much waiting and uncertainty, watching the project make headway brings a refreshing burst of energy to this close-knit community.
This bridge project isn’t just a standalone effort—it’s part of a bigger initiative by Pinellas County to enhance local infrastructure. It follows the completion of a similar bridge replacement project in Palm Harbor last year. Community members are hopeful that the ongoing builds will lead to improved connectivity throughout the area.
Not Just Tanglewood
The county is also addressing other stalled bridge projects in the region. For instance, a unanimous decision was recently made to contract Cone & Graham, Inc. to tackle a $4.7 million replacement project for a bridge on Oakwood Drive in Harbor Bluffs. With an estimated completion time of 400 consecutive days, locals in that area have every reason to feel optimistic.
Meanwhile, more news on the bridge front includes the status of the 9th Street South bridge project in downtown St. Petersburg, which is still awaiting attention. The Florida Department of Transportation is actively working behind the scenes to tackle these delays to ensure that residents have the connectivity they need.
Howard Frankland Bridge – A Major Upgrade
Looking further afield, the construction on the new span of the Howard Frankland Bridge continues to forge ahead after beginning in 2020. Designed to alleviate the notorious traffic congestion between Tampa and St. Petersburg, this ambitious project is expected to add an impressive eight lanes along with a dedicated bicycle/pedestrian pathway. With an estimated budget of $865.3 million, the full project completion is projected for 2028.
As of December 2023, construction efforts have progressed even faster than expected, advancing the anticipated opening of the new bridge to early 2025. It’s noteworthy that this prominent bridge sees nearly 250,000 vehicles daily, underscoring its significance in the regional transportation landscape.
A Bright Future
In summary, there’s a newfound excitement circulating in St. Petersburg—especially within the Tanglewood neighborhood—as the bridge replacement project begins to bloom once again. With construction work back in full swing and promises of improved connectivity on the horizon, residents now have concrete reasons to look forward to a brighter, more connected future. As the community unites in anticipation of a revitalized bridge and enhanced infrastructure in their vibrant city, the roar of hope and progress is unmistakable!
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Additional Resources
- MSN News: Work Resumes on Long-Stalled Bridge Replacement
- St. Pete Rising: New Howard Frankland Bridge Opens Next Week
- ABC Action News: New Howard Frankland Bridge Final Phase
- WTSP: Howard Frankland Bridge I-275 Construction Timeline
- WTSP: New Howard Frankland Bridge Opening Date
- Wikipedia: Howard Frankland Bridge
