Since the opening of the new Howard Frankland Bridge span in March, crashes have increased near the bridge’s Tampa-side entry point, raising concerns among drivers and transportation officials.

Many incidents have occurred in the curved section of I-275 southbound, creating major traffic delays and prompting questions about the road design.

“It’s very concerning,” David Alonso, the Florida Department of Transportation’s construction manager for the project, told Bay News 9.

Alonso explained that the curves were a necessary part of shifting traffic onto the new span.  “We had to move everything further north to make room for the new bridge. That shift created some curvature in the roadway,” he said.

Alonso noted that overhead traffic cameras may exaggerate the severity of the curves compared to what drivers actually experience.

Still, the Florida Highway Patrol reports that 35 crashes have occurred in the area since the bridge opened. Troopers say the majority of these accidents are happening during lane changes in the curved section.

“There are solid white lines in that area,” said Sgt. Steve Gaskins with FHP. “That means stay in your lane—don’t try to change lanes in the curve. That’s where we’ve seen issues.”

FHP also reminds drivers involved in minor collisions to move their vehicles off the road when possible.

“State law allows you to move your vehicle to the shoulder,” Gaskins said. “Keeping travel lanes clear helps prevent backups and secondary crashes.”

Alonso added that the current alignment is temporary. “As construction continues, the curves will be smoothed out. Once the old southbound span is converted to the new northbound span—expected within the next three months—the roadway will straighten,” he said.

In the meantime, FDOT has installed additional signage urging drivers to slow down and watch for construction crews. FHP is also increasing patrols and enforcing speed limits in the area.

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