The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has implemented major traffic and infrastructure changes on Interstate 275 across the new Howard Frankland Bridge, effective today, May 27, 2026.
New Northbound Express Lanes Open
Early this morning, FDOT opened the new northbound express lanes carrying traffic from St. Petersburg to Tampa.
Location: The lanes run in the median of I-275, extending from 4th Street North in St. Petersburg to just north of the bridge in Tampa. They are physically separated from general-use lanes by barrier walls and flexible plastic poles.
Access: Northbound motorists can access the express lanes just north of 4th Street North, continue across the bridge, and merge back into the general-use lanes just north of the bridge on the Tampa side.
Tolls: The express lanes are currently operating under a $0.00 toll during an ongoing testing phase. Once testing concludes, tolls will be collected electronically 24/7 using SunPass or other Florida-compatible transponders. Cash and TOLL-BY-PLATE will not be accepted.
Southbound Outlook: FDOT contractors will work to open the southbound express lanes over the next few nights, depending on weather conditions.
Seven-Mile Shared-Use Path Open
A new 12-foot-wide, barrier-separated shared-use path has opened along the north side of the new Howard Frankland Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.
Hours & Access: The path is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Connection points are located at the north end of 4th Street in St. Petersburg and the south end of Reo Street in Tampa.
Features: The nearly seven-mile path includes four shaded, sail-adorned overlooks for resting and viewing Old Tampa Bay.
Future Updates: Additional path connections from Ulmerton Road and 4th Street North in St. Petersburg, as well as Reo Street in Tampa, are currently being constructed under separate active projects.
Background and Safety Reminder
This opening follows last year’s traffic shift, which moved southbound I-275 traffic to the new bridge, converted the 1990s bridge structure to carry northbound traffic, and removed the original 1960s bridge.
Because the area remains an active work zone, motorists are reminded to slow down, obey the posted speed limits, and remain alert for construction crews and support vehicles.
READ: Tampa Traffic Alert: Expect Delays As Crews Shut Down Lanes On Orient Road Starting Today
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