I-275/Howard Frankland Bridge PD&E Study

To address aging infrastructure and future capacity needs, FDOT District 7 initiated a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study to evaluate replacing the northbound I-275/Howard Frankland Bridge. This critical Tampa Bay crossing spans 3 miles and carries over 157,000 vehicles per day, with volumes projected to exceed 225,000 by 2040. The study assessed long-term mobility, evaluated preliminary alternatives, and incorporated regional transit planning consistent with the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority’s master plan.

The preferred alternative proposes a new structure with eight lanes—four general-purpose lanes and two express lanes in each direction—and a bike and pedestrian trail. The new bridge will accommodate future light rail transit and be elevated to withstand projected storm surges. It will be constructed northwest of the current southbound span, which will be retrofitted for northbound use, and the existing northbound bridge will be demolished after construction. The PD&E study documents were submitted to FDOT’s Office of Environmental Management for review and approval under a NEPA Assignment agreement with the Federal Highway Administration.