TAMPA, Fla. — All lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge reopened at 1:19 p.m. Thursday after a multi-vehicle crash shut down southbound traffic and snarled commutes across Tampa Bay.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which closed all southbound lanes of the I‑275 span near mile marker 38 around late morning. Tampa Police assisted with road closures while troopers worked the scene, and FDOT cameras showed at least one pickup truck on its roof and another vehicle with heavy front-end damage.
No details on injuries or the exact number of vehicles involved were immediately released. Authorities told drivers to expect delays and use alternate routes while the bridge was closed.
#Breaking The southbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge are closed following a multi-vehicle crash being investigated by FHP. @TampaPD is assisting with road closures. Motorists should expect delays and seek alternate routes. https://t.co/DtQzyoERCP
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) September 10, 2026
Traffic had been at a standstill during the shutdown before lanes began reopening shortly after 1 p.m. Residual congestion was expected as traffic cleared and investigators finished on‑scene work.
The Howard Frankland Bridge is a critical link between Tampa and St. Petersburg, and midday closures often ripple through the region’s commute and freight routes.
This is a developing story. Updates will be added as FHP releases more information about the cause of the crash, any injuries, and the expected duration of the full investigation.
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