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The numbers behind the new Howard Frankland Bridge

With construction almost complete, let’s look take a look at some statistics and figures.

A shot from up high of the Howard Frankland Bridge project. The Bay water is reflecting sunlight, while cars drive along the existing bridge. An incomplete structure spans left to right as crews work on the bridge. The Tampa skyline and South Tampa are in the distance on a bright sunny day.

The bridge is named after the 20th century entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Photo via FDOT

With all the traffic along the Howard Frankland Bridge, it’s easy to take in the sights. Mangroves, tranquil Tampa Bay waters, dolphins, and heavy construction machinery.

ICYMI: The Florida Department of Transportation is replacing the old bridge with a new one, and says construction is 90% complete. Let’s look at the numbers around the project, set to open next spring.

  • The new bridge will have eight lanes: four for normal traffic, and four express lanes. A parallel bicycle/pedestrian pathway is also under construction.w
  • Work initially began in fall 2020, meaning we’re up to four years of construction.
  • And it ain’t cheap. With a cost of at least $865 million, it’s FDOT’s most expensive bridge project ever.
  • Officials hope it will better cut down traffic for the ~250,000 drivers who use the road to cross between Hillsborough and Pinellas county every single day. The bridge will be 168 ft wide — the widest in Florida.
  • And shoutout to the 300+ workers finalizing the structure.
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