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
DRIVER ALERT! >>> Speed limit lowered in two I-275 construction work zones
Tampa / St. Petersburg -- As of early Monday morning, December 8, the speed limit has been lowered in two construction work zones:
- I-275 from 38th Avenue N to 4th St. N
- Howard Frankland Bridge between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties
The new speed limit is 55 MPH in both work zones. The speed reduction will help ensure a consistent and clear speed for all drivers along the I-275 corridor throughout each project area. Please remember to slow down, stay alert, and drive safely through work zones.
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On March 25, 2025, 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 spring of 2026.
As of end of 2025:
- New southbound bridge is 98% complete (installing railings and aesthetic features).
- Demolition of the old bridge is 75% 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
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I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties
Lane closures: Sunday, December 14 through Saturday, December 20 nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. -
I-275 Northbound / 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, December 16, to 5 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 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 congestion and delays may occur while driving on these roadways. Travel lanes on southbound I-275 (from Tampa to St. Petersburg) will not be affected by this temporary closure.
This closure is necessary for crews to finalize the installation of overhead sign structures as part of the new southbound I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) bridge project, located between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
For more information on this project, please visit FDOTTampaBay.com.
