Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said two major infrastructure investments for his state, totaling more than $1.3 billion, will help reduce congestion, increase hurricane safety and improve mobility across the region.
On one hand, the Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay is finished, he said, and on the other, the I-275 Express Expansion Moving Florida Forward Project is just starting.
“Today, I was proud to announce significant progress on two critical infrastructure projects in the Tampa Bay area: the new Howard Frankland Bridge and the I-275 Moving Florida Forward project in Pinellas County,” DeSantis said. “Our Moving Florida Forward Initiative is delivering major improvements years ahead of schedule, reducing delays for families and businesses, and making long-term investments that will support Florida’s growth for generations to come.”
The Howard Frankland Bridge replacement is Florida Department of Transportation’s District 7’s largest transportation project ever. The bridge opened to traffic earlier this summer and has increased capacity on the bridge by 50 percent. The new modernized bridge has been modified for resiliency in the face of hurricanes and ties into the recently completed Gateway Expressway and I-275 Express project.
The I-275 expansion in Pinellas County will widen the interstate, add new express lanes and flow into the new bridge. Once complete, it is estimated it will reduce travel delays by up to 85 percent and generate more than $1.4 billion in regional economic value, while ensuring I-275 remains a hurricane evacuation corridor. DeSantis said the project will be delivered 15 years ahead of schedule.
“Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Initiative is transforming Tampa Bay’s transportation system and connecting communities,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., said. “I’m proud of the work of our FDOT team who is making quick work of the demolition of the old Howard Frankland Bridge and beginning construction of the much-needed expansion of I-275 in Pinellas County.”