Speed Limits lowering on Howard Frankland, parts of I-275 as major construction ramps up

Speed limit dropped on Howard Frankland Bridge

Drivers will see speed limits drop to 55 mph on the Howard Frankland Bridge and a 7.5-mile stretch of I-275 South starting Sunday night. FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - FDOT is lowering speed limits by 5–10 mph along Howard Frankland Bridge and a section of I-275 South in Pinellas County. The reductions begin Sunday night and are expected to remain in place as construction increases in both work zones.

The affected areas include:

• Both directions of the Howard Frankland Bridge, where crews are dismantling the old northbound span, building two express lanes in each direction, and creating a shared-use pedestrian and bike path.
• A 7.5-mile stretch of I-275 South in Pinellas County, from just north of 38th Avenue North, where the Howard Frankland ends, to just south of Gandy Boulevard.

Why you should care:

FDOT says speeding and aggressive driving have been a growing problem in the corridor. Spokesperson Kris Carson says they're seeing more than 1,000 crashes a year, and nearly 25% result in injury or death.

Lowering speeds, Carson says, is meant to protect both drivers and crews who are working just feet from traffic.

Timeline:

• March 2025: Northbound traffic was shifted to the old southbound bridge.
• Spring 2026: Howard Frankland Southbound Bridge project expected to finish.
• Late 2030: I-275 South "Moving Florida Forward" express lane work expected to be completed.

What's next:

Drivers should expect the lower 55 mph speed limit to remain in place through the duration of both projects. FDOT says additional changes may follow as work progresses.