Governor DeSantis Announces Completion of Howard Frankland Bridge and Groundbreaking of I-275 Express Moving Florida Forward Project

Strategic Insights -

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the completion of the Howard Frankland Bridge Replacement Project and the groundbreaking of the I-275 Express Expansion Moving Florida Forward Project in Pinellas County. These projects, valued at over $1.3 billion, aim to reduce congestion, strengthen hurricane evacuation routes, and improve mobility for families and businesses across the Tampa Bay region. The initiatives are part of the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, launched in 2023, which is accelerating major congestion relief projects statewide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Howard Frankland Bridge replacement project, the largest transportation project in FDOT's District 7, has increased capacity by 50% since its opening and was completed ahead of schedule.
  • The new modernized bridge has been fortified to withstand hurricanes and ties directly into the recently completed Gateway Expressway and I-275 Express project.
  • The I-275 expansion project in Pinellas County is expected to reduce travel delays by up to 85% and generate more than $1.4 billion in regional economic value.
  • The project will be delivered 15 years ahead of schedule, thanks to the investments included in Moving Florida Forward.
  • The President of Florida Department of Transportation, Jared W. Perdue, stated that Governor DeSantis's Moving Florida Forward Initiative is transforming Tampa Bay's transportation system and connecting communities.
  • The initiative is delivering improvements to the transportation system at an accelerated pace, making long-term investments that will support Florida's growth for generations to come.

Statistics:

  • Value of the projects: over $1.3 billion
  • Capacity increase of the Howard Frankland Bridge: 50%
  • Reduction in travel delays: up to 85%
  • Regional economic value: more than $1.4 billion
  • Number of years ahead of schedule the project will be delivered: 15
  • Total amount committed to transportation improvements by Florida over the next five years: over $68 billion

Sources:

  • "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," said Governor Ron DeSantis. 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 (Source: Office of the Governor of Florida).
  • "Governor DeSantis's Moving Florida Forward Initiative is transforming Tampa Bay's transportation system and connecting communities," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. 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 (Source: Florida Department of Transportation).
  • Launched in 2023, Florida's Moving Florida Forward Initiative is accelerating more than 20 major congestion relief projects statewide, delivering improvements years ahead of schedule (Source: Office of the Governor of Florida).