Florida Department of Transportation’s I‑275 (Howard Frankland Bridge) project brings vital infrastructure upgrades that increase capacity along a crucial evacuation corridor, enhancing safety and mobility in a rapidly growing region. Originally constructed in the 1960s and expanded in the 1990s, the bridge required additional improvements to keep pace with continued population and economic growth and to maintain reliable regional connectivity during major events. The $973.4 million project adds 50 percent more capacity, providing congestion relief for nearly 200,000 daily users. Two new express lanes in each direction connect with the existing express lane network to the south and future projects to the north, improving travel reliability and offering drivers new commuting options. The express lanes also enhance system resilience by allowing traffic to continue flowing when incidents impact general-purpose lanes. The project strengthens multimodal connectivity by extending the regional trail network more than five miles. A new shared-use path provides a safe, direct connection for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, supporting the region’s growing demand for multimodal transportation.

To maximize cost savings and efficiency, Florida DOT rehabilitated the existing bridge structure – which still has decades of remaining service life – and repurposed it for northbound traffic after the new span opened. Construction occurred adjacent to active bridges, minimizing disruptions to travelers. Overall, the project accommodates approximately 100,000 additional daily drivers, expands the express lane network by more than 22 lane miles, and improves safety, reliability, and economic competitiveness across Old Tampa Bay.