The Florida Department of Transportation has officially opened the new southbound express lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge, giving drivers a new option for crossing Tampa Bay.
Southbound Interstate 275 motorists can now enter these express lanes just north of the bridge. From there, drivers can travel straight across the Howard Frankland and stay in the express lanes to head further south on I-275. For those who need to exit early, there is also an option to merge back into the regular, general-use lanes before reaching the 4th Street North exit in Pinellas County.
Right now, the new lanes are running under a temporary $0.00 toll while crews handle an ongoing testing phase. However, once that testing wraps up, drivers will have to pay.
Tolls will be collected electronically 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To use the lanes once the tolling starts, drivers must have a SunPass or another Florida-compatible transponder. Cash and TOLL-BY-PLATE options will not be accepted in the express lanes.
Even though the lanes are open, state transportation officials are reminding motorists that the area is still an active work zone. Drivers need to slow down, obey the posted speed limits, and stay alert for construction crews and emergency vehicles moving through the area.
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