Major I-275 Exit Reopens After Construction
Finally, a major I-275 exit has reopened after years under construction. If you were like me, you were surprised to find out that the Fourth Street exit ramp was open Monday morning when were driving southbound on I-275. When I was driving over the Howard Frankland Bridge on Monday morning, I didn’t even think to look at the Fourth Street exit ramp. It has been closed so long that I know that I have to go to the MLK/Ulmerton exit to come to work. After getting here to work in St. Petersburg, then I realized that I could’ve taken the Fourth Street exit ramp off the bridge. The FDOT announced that that exit, which is Exit 32, reopened at 1:30 in the morning on Monday, March 18. Additionally that exit ramp had been closed because of the Gateway Expressway Project.
The Gateway Expressway project is putting in two new toll roadways that will provide connections between US 19 and I-275. Additionally, it will connect the Bayside Bridge and I-275 and express lanes are being built on 275.
Some Road Construction Projects Going On In Tampa Bay Including An I-275 Exit
Malfunction Junction in Tampa will get a new flyover bridge from I-275 southbound to I-4 eastbound will be coming. The bad news is that crews will be working on this new flyover bridge through 2027. Work will begin on the bridge beginning in 2024. So, be prepared for extra construction starting soon. In addition to the flyover ramp, the FDOT will also be widening lanes on I-275 both northbound and southbound. Those new lanes will go all the way north to Hanna Avenue.
FDOT officials said by the end of 2025, the new Howard Frankland Bridge will be complete and we can start driving over it. The new bridge will consist of eight lanes; four general-use lanes, (Tampa to St. Petersburg) and four Express lanes. Two lanes from the St. Petersburg side toward Tampa, two lanes from the Tampa side toward St. Petersburg. In addition, a bicycle/pedestrian pathway separated from the roadway will is also included.
FDOT is adding a lane to both the southbound and the northbound directions of I-75. This will be between the Tampa Bypass Canal and Fowler Avenue. So, here is what is going to be done, the bridges over the canal and Harney Road will be widened. Additionally, the bridge structures that go over 301 will be replaced. FDOT says construction is anticipated to begin in 2024.
What Will The Howard Frankland Bridge Look Like When It's Finished?
Artist rendition of overlook
How close will the new Howard Frankland Bridge come to looking like the artist rendition? Soon we will find out.
Photo by: Florida Department of Transportation
Artist rendition with traffic
Can’t wait for it to look like this.
Photo by: Florida Department of Transportation
Bridge Construction in July 2024
It’s looking good. Can’t wait for it to be done.
Bridge Construction in July 2024
New lane configurations. We are getting closer.
Bridge Construction in July 2024
I can’t wait to drive over this new bridge.
Artist rendition of overlook w ITS
FDOT is also installing a multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Photo by: Florida Department of Transportation
Bridge Construction in May 2024
Look at how much wider the new Howard Frankland bridge is compared to the other two. When you drive over it you can see it is higher as well.
Bridge Construction in May 2024
Been in the works for so long. Now, we are getting close to driving over it.
Bridge Construction in May 2024
Those cranes have been a fixture in Tampa Bay for years now. Soon, they will no longer be needed.
