For the third time in its history, Tampa Bay’s six-mile linchpin gained a new span for drivers to cross. This version of the Howard Frankland Bridge is sturdier against storms, four lanes wider, higher and,

Just because the new southbound span of the bridge is opening does not mean construction is over — in fact, far from it.

After several years of construction, the new span of the Howard Frankland Bridge officially opened to traffic in time for the Tuesday morning commute.