FDOT Opens Northbound I-275 Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes and Shared-Use Path

FDOT Opens Northbound I-275 Howard Frankland Bridge Express Lanes and Shared-Use Path

Tampa Bay, FL – During the early morning hours on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) opened the new northbound (St. Petersburg to Tampa) new express lanes on I-275 across the new Howard Frankland Bridge.  The FDOT contractor will work to open the southbound express lanes over the next few nights, weather dependent.

IMAGE of HFB Express Lanes

The new express lanes extend from 4th Street North in St. Petersburg to just north of the bridge in Tampa. The lanes are in the median of I-275 and separated from the general-use lanes by barrier walls and flexible plastic poles.

Motorists traveling northbound on I-275 can access the express lanes just north of 4th Street North, continue across the Howard Frankland Bridge, and merge back into the general-use lanes just north of the bridge.

The new express lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge are currently operating under $0.00 tolls during the ongoing testing phase. Once testing is complete, tolls will be collected electronically 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using SunPass or any other Florida-compatible transponder. Cash and TOLL-BY-PLATE are not accepted.

IMAGE of Shared-use Path 

In addition, a new 12-foot-wide, barrier-separated shared-use path will open to pedestrians and cyclists along the north side of the new Howard Frankland Bridge at sunrise. The nearly seven-mile shared-use path features four shaded, sail-adorned overlooks for users to rest and enjoy views overlooking Old Tampa Bay.

Access to the bridge’s shared-use path is available from sunrise to sunset from the connection points located at the north end of 4th Street in St. Petersburg and the south end of Reo Street in Tampa. Additional future connections from Ulmerton Road and 4th Street North in St. Petersburg, as well as Reo Street in Tampa, are being constructed under separate active construction projects.  

Last year, FDOT opened the new southbound I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) to traffic. The 1990s Howard Frankland Bridge (originally connecting Tampa to St. Petersburg) was converted to carry northbound traffic, while the original 1960s bridge was removed.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, obey the posted speed limit, and remain alert for construction crews and vehicles, as the area remains an active work zone.

For more information on the project, visit FDOT Tampa Bay.