TAMPA, FL — The new span of the Howard Frankland Bridge has officially opened to traffic, marking a significant milestone for Tampa Bay commuters after more than four years of construction. Constructed by Archer Western and Traylor Bros., Inc., the new bridge will ease the daily congestion that has long plagued the vital connection between Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Florida Department of Transportation oversaw this $865 million project to enhance regional mobility, with traffic shifting onto the new southbound lanes overnight, welcoming drivers to a smoother, safer commute in the morning. Archer Western was part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the bridge’s opening to traffic.
Spanning Old Tampa Bay, the new Howard Frankland Bridge has features designed for both current and future needs. It stretches over 3 miles and offers eight lanes in total: four general-purpose lanes for southbound traffic from Tampa to St. Petersburg and two tolled express lanes in each direction, with the express lanes set to open next year.

Standing approximately 10 feet higher than its predecessor, the bridge is engineered for a 100-year lifespan. Another addition is the 12-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle path, slated for completion in spring 2026. With infrastructure built to potentially accommodate light rail in the future, this bridge not only addresses today’s traffic demands but also lays the groundwork for Tampa Bay’s evolving transportation landscape.