FDOT Emergency Travel Alert: For information on the current situation, please visit the following
page - 
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 early 2026:
- New southbound bridge is 98% complete (installing railings and aesthetic features).
- Demolition of the old bridge is 80% complete.
- Work activities continue along the shared use path on the Pinellas County side of the bridge.
- Construction of the future Express Lanes are 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
| Project Information |
|---|
|
Maricelle Venegas
813-975-6204
Maricelle.Venegas@dot.state.fl.us
|
| Media Contact |
|
Kris Carson
813-975-6060
Kristen.Carson@dot.state.fl.us
|
Closures
-
Howard Frankland Bridge / I-275 Southbound Closing Wednesday Night
Tampa Bay, FL – Motorists traveling southbound on I-275 towards the Howard Frankland Bridge will have to detour off the interstate using SR 60 (Exit 39) from 11 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, to 5 a.m., Thursday, January 29, weather permitting.
Message boards and temporary signage will assist southbound I-275 motorists traveling around the closure via the posted detour route of Memorial Highway (SR 60), Courtney Campbell Causeway (SR 60), Bayside Bridge (CR 611), and Roosevelt Boulevard SR 686).
Other roadways (Kennedy Boulevard, Dale Mabry Highway, and Gandy Boulevard) will be accessible and may provide an alternate route.
Motorists should add extra travel time as traffic congestion and delays may occur while driving on these roadways. Travel lanes on northbound I-275 (from St. Petersburg to Tampa) will not be affected.
This closure is necessary for crews to finalize the installation of overhead signage as part of the new southbound I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) project, located between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. For more information on this project, please visit FDOTTampaBay.com
-
I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties
Lane closures: Sunday, January 25 through Saturday, January 31 nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
