Governor Ron DeSantis announces over 1 billion dollars in infrastructure investments to improve mobility and safety in Tampa Bay
Tampa, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled significant infrastructure milestones for the Tampa Bay region today, highlighting the completion of the Howard Frankland Bridge Replacement Project and the groundbreaking of the I-275 Express Expansion Moving Florida Forward Project. Together, these initiatives represent more than $1.3 billion in investments aimed at reducing congestion, strengthening hurricane evacuation routes, and improving travel for families and businesses throughout the area.
“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,” Governor DeSantis said. “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, which opened to traffic earlier this summer, marks the largest transportation project ever undertaken by the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) District 7. The newly modernized bridge has increased capacity by 50% and features design improvements to withstand hurricanes. It also connects seamlessly to the recently completed Gateway Expressway and the I-275 Express project, creating a more efficient route for commuters traveling between Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The project not only expands capacity but also strengthens a key hurricane evacuation corridor, providing safer and more reliable access for residents during emergencies. The new bridge is equipped with enhanced safety features, modern lanes, and updated infrastructure to handle growing traffic volumes in one of Florida’s most heavily traveled regions.
In addition to the bridge, Governor DeSantis announced the groundbreaking of the I-275 Express Expansion in Pinellas County. This project will widen the interstate, add new express lanes, and integrate directly with the Howard Frankland Bridge. Once completed, the improvements are expected to reduce travel delays by up to 85%, while generating more than $1.4 billion in regional economic value. Officials say that the project’s accelerated timeline, made possible through the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, will deliver benefits 15 years ahead of schedule.
“Governor DeSantis’s 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, the Moving Florida Forward Initiative is a statewide effort to accelerate more than 20 major congestion relief projects, delivering improvements years ahead of original schedules. Florida has committed more than $68 billion to transportation improvements over the next five years, reflecting the state’s dedication to maintaining infrastructure that can meet the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
These projects are expected to enhance regional mobility, reduce commute times, and boost economic development by connecting communities more efficiently. For Tampa Bay residents, the combination of a modernized Howard Frankland Bridge and an expanded I-275 promises smoother daily travel, safer evacuation options during hurricanes, and a stronger transportation network that can handle future growth.
The investments also reflect Florida’s long-term vision for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. By prioritizing major transportation corridors and reducing congestion bottlenecks, the state aims to ensure that Florida remains a leader in economic growth and mobility solutions, supporting families and businesses for decades to come.
With construction already underway and completion timelines accelerating, Tampa Bay residents can expect tangible improvements to their daily commutes and overall connectivity in the coming years, demonstrating the impact of proactive planning and substantial investment in the state’s transportation future.
