New Howard Frankland Bridge opens. Here's what to know
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Photo: Courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation
The new Howard Frankland Bridge will open Tuesday after five years of construction.
Why it matters: The new bridge, which cost around $865 million, is the most expensive in Florida's history and is intended to ease traffic between Tampa and St. Petersburg.
- An average of 250,000 cars cross the Howard Frankland every day, which makes it "by far the most traveled" bridge in the region, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Zoom in: The redesigned bridge includes eight lanes in total — four toll-free lanes going each way, along with two express toll lanes heading north toward Tampa and two heading south toward St. Petersburg.
- The express lanes will open at a later date. All lanes will be available during emergencies, such as hurricane evacuations.
- Northbound traffic will be shifted onto the existing southbound bridge Monday night, while the current northbound bridge is scheduled to be demolished next year.
What to expect: Electronic message boards and detour signs will guide motorists on these routes:
- Southbound State Road 60: Enter via the north I-275 entrance ramp, get off on Exit 41A, turn left on Dale Mabry, turn left onto the southbound I-275 ramp, merge, then proceed toward the bridge.
- Westbound SR 60: Travel east on Kennedy Blvd, turn left on Dale Mabry Highway, turn left onto the southbound I-275 ramp, merge, then proceed toward the bridge.
- George Bean Parkway: Use the Spruce Street ramp, head east on Spruce Street, turn right onto Westshore Boulevard, turn left on Cypress Street, turn left on Dale Mabry Highway, turn left on the southbound I-275 ramp and proceed to the bridge.
Between the lines: The project came about because the northbound span of the Howard Frankland — which opened in 1960 — has outlived its intended lifespan of 50 years.
- The new design promises a 100-year lifespan, using wider concrete barriers to impede saltwater from corroding the bridge's steel.
What's next: Pedestrians and bikers can look forward to a 12-foot-wide walkway that spans the new bridge, slated to open in spring 2026.
- The pedestrian path will connect near 4th Street in Pinellas County and Reo Street in Hillsborough County. There will be four bridge overlooks that offer shaded resting spots with seating.