ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Major Infrastructure Investments for Tampa Bay

Announcements include the completion of the new Howard Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay and Commencement of the I-275 Express Moving Florida Forward Project

TAMPA, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the completion of the Howard Frankland Bridge Replacement Project and the groundbreaking of the I-275 Express Expansion Moving Florida Forward Project. Together, these projects represent more than $1.3 billion in investments to reduce congestion, strengthen hurricane evacuation routes, and improve mobility for families and businesses across the Tampa Bay region.

“Today, I was proud to announce significant progress on two critical infrastructure projects in the Tampa Bay area: the new Howard Frankland Bridge and the I-275 Moving Florida Forward project in Pinellas County,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Our Moving Florida Forward Initiative is delivering major improvements years ahead of schedule, reducing delays for families and businesses, and making long-term investments that will support Florida's growth for generations to come.” 

The Howard Frankland Bridge replacement, the largest transportation project ever delivered in FDOT’s District 7, opened to traffic earlier this summer and as built has increased capacity by 50%. The new modernized bridge has been fortified to withstand hurricanes and ties directly into the recently completed Gateway Expressway and I-275 Express project.

The Governor also announced the groundbreaking of the I-275 expansion in Pinellas County. This project will widen the interstate, add new express lanes, and flow into the new Howard Frankland Bridge. Once complete, it is expected to reduce travel delays by up to 85% and generate more than $1.4 billion in regional economic value, while ensuring I-275 remains a vital hurricane evacuation corridor. Thanks to the investments included in Moving Florida Forward, the project will be delivered 15 years ahead of schedule.

“Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Initiative is transforming Tampa Bay’s transportation system and connecting communities,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “I’m proud of the work of our FDOT team who is making quick work of the demolition of the old Howard Frankland Bridge and beginning construction of the much needed expansion of I-275 in Pinellas County.”

Launched in 2023, Florida’s Moving Florida Forward Initiative is accelerating more than 20 major congestion relief projects statewide, delivering improvements years ahead of schedule. Florida has committed more than $68 billion to transportation improvements over the next five years, ensuring that the state’s infrastructure continues to meet the demands of residents, visitors, and business alike.