FDOT Emergency Travel Alert: For information on the current situation, please visit the following
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I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) new southbound bridge between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties 422904-2-52-01
Project Details
| Work Type | New Bridge |
|---|---|
| Phase | Construction |
| Limits | 4th St (Pinellas) to SR 60 (Hillsborough) |
| Project Start | Spring 2020 |
| Length | 5.8 miles |
| City | |
| County | |
| Road | |
| Construction Cost | $973.4 million |
| Estimated Completion | Summer 2026 |
| Contractor | Archer Western/Traylor Bros Joint Venture |
About
Last year, the Florida Department of Transportation opened four general-use lanes to traffic on the new southbound I-275 / Howard Frankland Bridge from Tampa to St. Petersburg.
Once complete, the new bridge will consist of eight lanes: four general-use lanes and four express lanes (two lanes from St. Petersburg to Tampa and two lanes from Tampa to St. Petersburg). Additionally, a new shared-use facility is being constructed adjacent to the new bridge, providing a pathway separated from the roadway for pedestrians and cyclists.
On July 9, 2025, the 1990s southbound Howard Frankland Bridge (from Tampa to St. Petersburg) was renewed and converted to the new northbound bridge (from St. Petersburg to Tampa). Before project completion, the existing 1960s northbound bridge (from St. Petersburg to Tampa) will be removed by summer of 2026.
As of March 2026:
- The new southbound bridge is 98% complete (installing railings, lighting and aesthetic features).
- Demolition of the old bridge is 98% complete.
- Work activities continue along the shared-use path on the Pinellas County side of the bridge.
- Construction of the future Express Lanes is ongoing.
This project is expected to finish during summer of 2026.
*Construction cost includes the original construction contract amount plus approved contract changes. It does not include inspection oversight.
Contact Information
Closures
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I-275 Northbound on Howard Frankland Bridge Closing Tuesday Night
Tampa Bay, FL - Motorists traveling northbound on I-275 towards the Howard Frankland Bridge will have to detour off the interstate using Gandy Boulevard (Exit 28) from 11 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, to 5 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, weather permitting.
Message boards and temporary signage will assist drivers traveling around the closure via the posted detour route of Roosevelt Boulevard, Gandy Boulevard, and Dale Mabry Highway.
Other roadways (Roosevelt Boulevard, Bayside Bridge, Courtney Campbell Causeway, and Memorial Highway) will be accessible and may provide an alternate route.
Motorists should add extra travel time as traffic delays and congestion may occur while driving on these roadways. Travel lanes on southbound I-275 (from Tampa to St. Petersburg) will not be affected during this nighttime detour.
This closure is necessary for crews to perform overhead sign installation work as part of the new southbound I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) bridge project, located between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. For more information, visit FDOT Tampa Bay.
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I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties
Lane closures: Sunday, March 8 through Saturday, March 14 nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
