Construction has officially began on the $354 million I-275 Express Expansion Moving Florida Forward Project, a major widening of Interstate 275 that will add tolled express lanes, improve interchanges, and strengthen the corridor as a hurricane evacuation route.
“Today, I was pleased to announce significant progress on two key infrastructure projects in the Tampa Bay area: the new Howard Frankland Bridge and Pinellas County’s I-275 Moving Florida Forward project,” Governor Ron DeSantis stated at a news conference at Tampa International Airport. “Our Moving Florida Forward Initiative is making dramatic improvements years earlier than anticipated, reducing delays for families and businesses, and making long-term investments that will keep Florida growing for generations to come.”
Project Details
The project widens I-275 from 38th Avenue North to 4th Street North in Pinellas County. Improvements include:
Two new express lanes in each direction.
One additional express lane in each direction from Gandy Boulevard to 4th Street North.
A multi-use path on Ulmerton Road for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Improvements to interchanges and direct links to the Gateway Expressway and new Howard Frankland Bridge.
The design-build contract was awarded to Prince Contracting, with construction to start this year.
Economic and Community Benefits
As calculated by FDOT, the project would reduce travel delays by up to 85% and generate $1.42 billion of regional economic impact. By reducing repetitive congestion on one of Tampa Bay’s most traffic-prone corridors, the widening will also enhance supply chain dependability and facilitate storm evacuations.
FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., stated: “The expansion of I-275 is a long-overdue upgrade that will revolutionize mobility within Pinellas County. Our staff is pleased to be able to bring this work 15 years ahead of schedule due to the governor’s leadership and legislative cooperation.”
Supported by Moving Florida Forward
The I-275 expansion is one of 20 statewide priority transportation projects being accelerated under the Moving Florida Forward program. Started in 2023, the program is advancing more than 20 priority congestion-relief projects throughout Florida years ahead of schedule.
From its beginning, the Florida Legislature has directed about $7 billion of state savings to advance projects like I-275, and the state is committing more than $68 billion of transportation improvements in the next five years to maintain infrastructure abreast of residents’, visitors’, and business needs.
Related Progress
Officials also reported today that demolition of the oldest section of the Howard Frankland Bridge is now underway, following the official opening earlier this summer of the new span. While the bridge is an accompaniment project, today’s announcement focused on the opening of the I-275 Express Lanes Expansion in Pinellas County.
I-275 Express Expansion Moving Florida Forward Project: Factsheet
Project Overview
Total Investment: $354 million
Status: Construction has officially begun, August 27, 2025
Location: Interstate 275 from 38th Avenue North to 4th Street North, Pinellas County, Florida
Contractor: Prince Contracting (design-build contract)
Project Scope & Features
Express Lanes
Two new express lanes in each direction along the entire corridor
One additional express lane in each direction between Gandy Boulevard and 4th Street North
Tolled express lanes to manage traffic flow
Infrastructure Improvements
Interchange upgrades throughout the corridor
Direct connections to the Gateway Expressway
Integration with the new Howard Frankland Bridge
Multi-use trail along Ulmerton Road for pedestrians and bicyclists
Enhanced Functionality
Strengthened capacity as a hurricane evacuation route
Improved supply chain reliability for the region
Congestion relief for one of Tampa Bay’s busiest corridors
Economic Impact & Benefits
Travel Improvements
Up to 85% reduction in travel delays
Significant mobility transformation for Pinellas County
Economic Benefits
$1.42 billion projected regional economic impact
Enhanced business efficiency and supply chain reliability
Support for Florida’s continued growth and development
