New Howard Frankland span set to open next week

The highly anticipated opening of the new Howard Frankland Bridge is scheduled for March 25, 2025, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. This bridge represents a major infrastructure improvement, as it will facilitate smoother traffic flow between Tampa and St. Petersburg. The new structure will include four general use lanes, along with four tolled express lanes, which aim to alleviate congestion on this heavily traveled route. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for March 24, with traffic expected to switch from the old span to the new one overnight.

The current southbound span will be repurposed for northbound traffic into Tampa, enhancing the overall efficiency of the roadway. Furthermore, the bridge will incorporate a multi-use trail, catering to both cyclists and pedestrians, which promotes safer travel alternatives. Notably, the new bridge will be approximately 10 feet higher than its predecessor, making it the largest bridge in Florida by square footage. With about 250,000 cars crossing the Howard Frankland daily, this upgrade is poised to have a significant positive impact on local commuters.