The northbound I-75 traffic switch to the temporary bridge over Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (Exit 270) is scheduled between 9:30 p.m. tonight (Monday, May 7) and 6 a.m. Tuesday (May 8).

All northbound traffic will be using the new, temporary bridge by tomorrow morning's rush hour, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. During this overnight period, expect one of the two lanes to be closed on northbound I-75 in this area.

The temporary bridge is one component of the $95 million, 11.4-mile widening of I-75 from Fowler Avenue to State Road 56.

Motorists better get used to the sight of the steel structure traversing Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in New Tampa, as the state says it will be in place for two years. Be prepared to slow down, too, because the speed limit on it will be reduced to 55 miles per hour.

The next step in the project will be to switch southbound traffic to the old northbound bridge. This is expected to take place within the next two weeks, according to the FLDOT.