TAMPA BAY, FL — Drivers traveling between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties will begin paying tolls to use the new Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes starting Saturday, Aug. 22. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, tolls on the new I-275 Express Lanes across Old Tampa Bay will be collected electronically through the SunPass Prepaid Toll Program.
Only passenger vehicles, registered vanpools and buses are permitted to use the express lanes. Southbound I-275 motorists can enter the express lanes just south of the State Road 60 interchange in Tampa. On the St. Petersburg side, motorists can access the express lanes just past the 4th Street exit. Drivers using the express lanes will cross the Howard Frankland Bridge before merging back into the general-use lanes on either side of the bridge.
FDOT said the new express lanes provide a direct connection between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and offer an additional travel option for thousands of Tampa Bay-area drivers.
Motorists are also reminded that the posted speed limit across the Howard Frankland Bridge is now 65 mph. The speed limit drops to 55 mph on either side of the bridge because of active construction work zones. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, remain alert and follow posted speed limits while traveling through the construction areas.
SOURCE: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
