Tampa Bay, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the completion of a replacement for the Howard Frankland Bridge and the start of construction of the I-275 Express expansion. These projects represent state investments of over $1.3 billion.
The governor emphasized that these initiatives, which are part of the state’s Mobility Florida Forward Program, are designed to reduce traffic congestion, strengthen hurricane evacuation routes, and improve overall mobility in the region.
The Howard Frankland Bridge replacement is the largest transportation project ever completed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in District 7, and opened in Transportation earlier this summer. The new bridge will increase capacity by 50% and connect directly to the newly completed Gateway Expressway and the I-275 Express Project. It is also designed with reinforced construction to withstand hurricanes well.
Additionally, Desantis celebrated the groundbreaking of the I-275 expansion in Pinellas County. The project will expand the interstate, add Express Lanes and integrate with the new Howard Frankland Bridge. FDOT estimates the expansion could reduce travel delays by 85% while also giving $1.4 billion of economic value to the region. Officials noted that the work was completed 15 years before the original schedule.
“The Florida Forward Initiative in Gov. DeSantis’ move is to transform the transportation system in Tampa Bay and connect the community,” said Jared W. Perdue, FDOT secretary. “Our Frankland team is proud to quickly destroy the old Howard Frankland Bridge and launch an essential expansion of the I-275.”
Launched in 2023, the Moving Florida Forward program quickly tracks more than 20 major congestion relief projects across the state. State leaders have committed more than $68 billion to improve transportation over the next five years to meet population growth, tourism and business demands.
