TAMPA, Fla. — Update: All southbound lanes of I-275 on the Howard Frankland Bridge have been cleared and are back open following planned construction, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
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Drivers heading from Tampa to St. Pete late Monday night will need to avoid the Howard Frankland Bridge.
All southbound lanes of Interstate 275 on the bridge will be closed from 11 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
"We have a lot of work going on during the day as well, but any kind of major obstruction to the motorist we want to make sure we do that at night so we don't interrupt motorists too much," FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson explained.
Crews will use the time to install overhead signs as part of the Gateway Expressway project.
"The gateway project is a very large project and very complex," Carson said. "Motorists will see a lot of work going on in lots of different areas."
Those needing to cross Old Tampa Bay overnight will be directed to exit the interstate at U.S. 92 West (Dale Mabry South) Exit 41A, continue south on Dale Mabry Highway, west on Gandy Boulevard, then north on Roosevelt Boulevard toward the I-275 entrance ramp.
Kennedy Boulevard, Memorial Highway, Courtney Campbell Causeway, Bayside Bridge and Roosevelt Boulevard will also be available as alternate routes.
FDOT says drivers should expect delays and congestion during these detours. The closures will not affect northbound traffic on I-275.
The Gateway Expressway project includes the construction of two new 2-lane elevated tolled roadways that will provide direct connections between US 19 and I-275, and the Bayside Bridge and I-275.
Carson says the Gateway Expressway will be completed in 2023 and crews have been staying on time.
You can learn more about the project on the FDOT website.