Commuters traversing Tampa Bay’s Howard Frankland Bridge and sections of I-275 are due for a change in pace as Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) implements new lower speed limits in two major construction zones. Starting last night, as reported by FOX 13 News, FDOT will be reducing speed limits from 60 to 55 miles per hour on the bridge, extending the reduced speed zone from State Road 60 in Tampa to 4th Street in St. Petersburg, and from there to 38th Avenue North. The need for the speed reduction on the Howard Frankland Bridge and a 7.5-mile stretch of I-275 South in Pinellas County is driven by safety concerns, as FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson explained that over 1,000 crashes occur annually in these areas.
The construction work along these thoroughfares signals a significant overhaul, with dismantling of the old northbound span on the bridge and creation of express lanes and a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Likewise, the undertaking in Pinellas County involves widening I-275 and adding new express lanes. As part of these safety measures, “drivers can expect to see more police patrolling this stretch of road,” according to an article by Bay News 9. This enforcement follows the installation of new speed limit signs and a week-long period in which law enforcement will issue warnings, emphasizing education over punishment for travelers unfamiliar with the changes, as mentioned by WFLA.
FDOT’s modifications are not purely about reductions; there’s also an addition of two express lanes in each direction on both the bridge and I-275 South, aiming to streamline traffic and improve mobility across Tampa Bay. Drivers are being urged to factor in the adjusted limits into their travel plans, as these reduced speeds are intended to be in effect throughout the duration of both infrastructure projects, maintaining the safety of drivers and construction crews alike. The anticipated completion dates for these projects, as given by FOX 13 News, are spring 2026 for the Howard Frankland Southbound Bridge and late 2030 for the I-275 South “Moving Florida Forward” express lane work…