The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is preparing to open new express lanes and a shared-use path on the Howard Frankland Bridge, a significant development for Tampa residents. The pedestrian path is scheduled to open on Wednesday, with express lanes potentially opening the same day.

Project Aims to Alleviate Traffic

The expansion project, which has been underway for several years, seeks to improve connectivity in the Bay Area and address ongoing traffic congestion. Last year, the new southbound bridge was completed, and the old structure was demolished. Now, the FDOT is adding two express lanes in both directions, which will initially open toll-free as engineers work to implement toll technology. Eventually, a fixed toll rate of 50 cents will be applied.

FDOT resident engineer Austin Peterson explained, “Prior to opening the express lanes, we have a lot of final striping to be completed, as well as delineators, which are like, the flexible tubes that separate the express lanes from the general purpose lanes.” The bridge will feature four general-use lanes and two express lanes on each side.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Access

The nearly seven-mile shared-use path will allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the bridge from Tampa near Cypress Point Park to 4th Street North in St. Petersburg. The path includes shaded sections and four outlook spots, enhancing the experience for users.

Future Connectivity Plans

Peterson highlighted that the bridge expansion will pave the way for future connectivity projects. “We do have, in the future, plans for connectivity on the east end of the bridge to additional express lanes, as well as additional shared use paths, path networks that we’re going to be constructing on the west and east ends of the bridge,” he said.

While the FDOT has not announced when the toll-free period will end or when the toll will take effect, the opening of the express lanes remains weather-dependent, with potential delays if rain occurs later in the week.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.