The Howard Frankland Bridge, a crucial link between Tampa and St. Petersburg and the largest bridge in all of Florida in terms of the square footage on the deck being built, continues to undergo a remarkable transformation. Since the project's inception in 2020, significant strides have been made, and as we enter 2025, the new bridge is on the cusp of opening. The Howard Frankland Bridge project is one of Florida's most ambitious infrastructure endeavors. The new bridge will accommodate the southbound lanes of I-275, while the existing southbound bridge, constructed in the 1990s, will be repurposed for northbound traffic. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion and enhance safety for the thousands of commuters who rely on this vital corridor daily.  

The new bridge will boast eight lanes, comprising of four general-use lanes and four express lanes (two in each direction) along with a dedicated pathway for bicycles and pedestrians, that will encourage alternative modes of transportation. Utilizing advanced machinery, such as ICE® deep foundation equipment, has ensured precision and efficiency in constructing the concrete segments. 

As of December 2024, the project has achieved several milestones, including the completion of all pilings, bridge footings, columns, and caps and placement of 92.9% of the bridge decks. In the photo shown you can see multiple barges chained together in Tampa Bay. These are being meticulously built on land, transported over the water and then securely anchored to the sea floor to support the cranes necessary for the final portions of this massive template, creating a "Barge Island". Once fully complete, there will be 24 cranes atop 72 barges, covering nearly 10 acres. 

A strong foundation is critical for the longevity and safety of any bridge. According to the project manager, the use of ICE® 115-50 Hydraulic Rotary Head Drill and ICE® 110 Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor has been instrumental in driving through the sensitive and challenging limestone in the area. The ICE® 115-50, known for its high torque and crowd force, and the ICE® 110, renowned for its reliability and efficiency, have ensured that the bridge's foundation is robust and secure. 

Hydraulic hoses also played a crucial role in the operation of these machines, allowing for the transfer of hydraulic fluid under high pressure. These hoses are designed to withstand extreme conditions and ensure the efficient and reliable performance of the equipment. The hydraulic hoses used in the ICE® 115-50 and ICE® 110 are engineered to handle high pressures and varying temperatures, ensuring durability and flexibility in the challenging construction environment. 

We extend our gratitude to the contractors for their exceptional work and for continuing to choose ICE® equipment for this project and many others. The reliability and performance of ICE® machinery have been pivotal in overcoming the challenges posed by the dense limestone layer, ensuring the project's success. 

The new Howard Frankland Bridge is slated to open in Spring 2025, with the entire project, including the express lanes, expected to be completed by early 2026. This project not only promises to improve traffic flow but also stands as a testament to modern engineering and construction excellence. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the grand opening of this monumental bridge!

Learn more about the ICE® 115-50 and ICE® 110 and check out our previous story about this project.

Media Contact-                  
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA                 
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations     
Vice President IT and IT Comm             
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc                  
Office - 704-821-8200          Email - marketing@iceusa.com