Construction continues on the Howard Frankland Bridge that began in 2020. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) estimates that by 2025 the new structure should be completed.
“A project this size is a large logistical effort,” FDOT project manager Austin Petersen said.
The project has 275 workers, many of whom are local, according to Petersen.
“It will be the largest bridge by deck area in the state,” Petersen said. The total project costs about $865.3 million, but the project itself is necessary because the old bridge is reaching the end of its service life, he added.
Originally constructed in 1959, the Howard Frankland Bridge, after construction the old structure will be demolished and recycled according to Petersen.
As the project manager, Petersen expects the new bridge to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
“This new structure is going to be around 170 feet wide,” Petersen said. That includes four lanes and four express lanes, two in each direction. There will also be a shared-use path for people to bike or walk across.
Petersen said it will be similar to what exists on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. FDOT officials explained adding the shared used path was something the community expressed they wanted.
“On the new bridge on the north side, there will be a shared use path that will be a bicycle and pedestrian facility that will cross from one end to the other of the new bridge,” Petersen added.
Despite potential delays due to weather, FDOT expects drivers to use the bridge in mid-2025.
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Source: MSN.com
