Community Corner

Speak Out: Light Rail for the Howard Frankland?

The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting meetings to discuss plans for a bridge replacement. Some say the new bridge should include options for light rail. What are your thoughts, Tampa Bay?

This story was written by Associate Regional Editor Sherri Lonon.

A faster way to travel from Pinellas to Hillsborough or back again might be in the cards if those urging the Florida Department of Transportation to include light rail options in a design for a new Howard Frankland Bridge have their way.

The first of two meetings on a replacement bridge for the northbound spans was staged in Pinellas County on Oct. 8. At that meeting, 13 people spoke in favor of an eventual design including light rail. Only two spoke out against it, according to TBO.com.

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FDOT is in the process of planning out a replacement for the northbound spans. It says the old bridge is fast nearing the end of its usable life. Replacement costs are fuzzy at this time, but the project could end up costing as much as $1.3 billion, according to TBO.

Residents will get another chance to voice their opinions about the bridge replacement project. A public hearing on the topic is set for 5 p.m.  Oct. 10 at the Tampa Marriott Westshore, 1101 N. Westshore Blvd.

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For more information about the project and where it stands, visit FDOT online.

What do you think, Tampa Bay? Is it time for the region to get on the light-rail bandwagon? Tell us your thoughts by commenting below!


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