Tampa’s Skyway Bridge and Howard Frankland Bridge are currently closed due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has confirmed that the closure is a result of the high winds and powerful storm surge brought on by the hurricane.
A video shared by the FHP’s Tampa office captured the intense conditions on the Howard Frankland Bridge, with strong waves crashing against the structure. Despite the hazardous conditions, some drivers were observed continuing to traverse the bridge. The exact timing of the video, which seemed to be sourced from a fixed traffic camera, was not immediately disclosed.
In response to the dangerous situation, the FHP issued a warning urging drivers to avoid using the highways until further notice. The safety of motorists is a top priority during extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which links Pinellas and Manatee counties over Tampa Bay via I-275, is one of the major transportation arteries affected by the closure. Similarly, the Howard Frankland Bridge, connecting St. Petersburg and Tampa, is also inaccessible at this time.
