TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Department of Transportation officials say construction on the massive Howard Frankland Bridge project is moving along well, and because of that, drivers may be able to use it as early as this year.
“If you’re driving across the bay, you really get to see the progress," said FDOT project manager David Alonso. "We’re over 50% complete now."
Alonso said the project, which started in 2020, is the largest bridge being built in Florida by deck area.
FDOT officials say crews have placed nearly 70% of the deck, which is what cars will eventually be driving on. They’ve also already driven 100% of the pilings, the long poles that support the new bridge.
Alonso said that means crews should be done with the water part of the project soon.
“Once we’re out of the water completely, it’s a rinse and repeat operation," Alonso said. "So we’re looking good."
Barring any major issues — a busy hurricane season, for example — Alonso said he hopes to have the new bridge open to traffic later this year.
Once the new bridge is open, it will be the new four-lane southbound span for traffic on I-275 going from Tampa to St. Petersburg. The current southbound span will be flipped for northbound traffic.
The old northbound bridge will eventually be demolished.
The new bridge will also include four new tolled express lanes, two in each direction, to help with traffic congestion. Plus, FDOT is installing a multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians.
While it may open to traffic later this year, FDOT officials say the total completion of the project will be in 2025.
“I think we’re going to see immediate use of this facility. And people are going to love it," Alonso said. "This is an awesome project that I get to be involved in."
