New Howard Frankland Bridge construction moving along; Spectrum News gets a tour

The construction of the new Howard Frankland Bridge is making significant strides, with the project expected to wrap up soon after starting in April 2020. This new span of Interstate 275 will connect Tampa and St. Petersburg, offering a vital link to improve traffic flow in the area. Standing about 10 feet taller than the existing bridge, it is projected to become the largest bridge in Florida by square footage. Project Manager David Alonso shared his enthusiasm during a media tour, noting that crews have successfully driven 62 miles of piles to create a robust foundation.

More than 80% of the bridge deck is already in place, and Alonso remarked on how visually complete the structure looks. The current southbound bridge will be repurposed to accommodate northbound traffic once the new span opens. With the project nearing completion, the expected opening date is set for spring 2025. This construction project is a significant development for the region, promising to enhance connectivity and ease congestion for local drivers.