Speed limit on Howard Frankland Bridge to lower Sunday night

TAMPA, Fla. — The speed limit on the Howard Frankland Bridge will drop from 60 to 55 miles per hour starting Sunday night.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) said it is doing this to keep construction workers safe.

The new speed zone starts at State Road 60 in Tampa and runs to 4th Street in St. Petersburg. It also continues then from 4th Street to 38th Avenue North.

State leaders said they have seen a lot of aggressive driving, speeding and crashes on the bridge, so they are hoping this will curb those incidents.

In tandem with the speed change, drivers can expect to see more police patrolling this stretch of road.

FDOT officials said the speed limit drop is temporary. They are expecting to raise the speed limit back to 60 mph next spring or summer.

That is also when they expect to open the new express lanes and a multi-use trail for bikers and pedestrians.