Howard Frankland Bridge Is Closing For 6 Hours, Find Out When

The Howard Frankland Bridge is closing next week for 6 hours. The closure is going to start this Monday, August 15 starting at 11 p.m. It will open back up on Tuesday, August 16th at 5 a.m. It will only affect the southbound lanes on the bridge.

The road closure is happening because crews need to install overhead signs as part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s Gateway Expressway project.

According the FDOT the Gateway Expressway Project "is constructing two new 2-lane elevated tolled roadways that will provide direct connections between US 19 and I-275, and the Bayside Bridge and I-275." Secondly, "SR 690, a new 4-lane tolled expressway connection from US 19 to the west of I-275." Additionally, "SR 686A, a new 4-lane elevated tolled expressway from the Bayside Bridge to just west of I-275." Finally, "I-275 will be widened to add a toll lane in each direction along the median next to the existing lanes from south of Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North."

Currently the 4th Street exit ramp and on-ramp to and from I-275 is closed and won't open until spring of 2024.

The Howard Frankland Bridge is closing for 6 hours in the southbound lanes only. So, the northbound lanes into Tampa will be open. Drivers that will be driving into Pinellas County overnight Monday night into Tuesday morning need to take alternate routes.

You can one of the other bridges into Pinellas County. The Courtney Campbell Causeway or the Gandy Bridge will be routes around the closure. If you don't want to take a bridge you can always take Hillsborough Avenue, which turns into Tampa Road.

If you do get on the Howard Frankland Bridge southbound you "will be directed to exit the interstate using US 92 West, exit 41A. You will then continue south on Dale Mabry Highway, west on Gandy Boulevard. Then north on Roosevelt Boulevard towards the southbound I-275 entrance ramp."

A lot of us have dogs and are always looking for fun thing to do with our pets.  We are lucky to live in the Tampa Bay area, because there are plenty of things to do and bring your four-legged friend along.  Here are just a few of some of the dog friendly activities you can find in the Tampa Bay Area.

Not only is there two fenced in areas for large and small dogs to play, but it's the dog beach that is the big attraction. Your dog can run and play in the water, leash free at this park.  There is also a place for you to rinse the sand and salt water off your dog before you leave the park.

The Dog Bar is located in downtown St. Petersburg. Its a combination of an off leash park and a full service bar.  If you plan on attending, bring your updated pet's vaccinations.  They want to ensure that all of the dogs are healthy and nonaggressive in their park.

Hyde Park Village is a great place to take your dog for some dog-friendly shopping.  There are several shops and patio restaurants, which of many allow you to bring your dog in.

Sparkman Wharf is perfect for your dog.  Dog-Friendly restaurants with large astroturf lawn and tons of space for your dog to play.  Tons of food options and they always have some fun events going on right on the river.

Check out the website here