TAMPA, Fla. — Conrad Campbell grew up in Tampa enjoying with mannequin trains. But after graduating from USF, he’s a distinct sort of engineer.
Now Conrad is heading up the largest challenge of his profession, the new Howard Frankland Bridge.
“It’s an engineering feat. That’s what I went to school for and it’s great to see it actually happen.”
He mentioned it’s not a fancy challenge, however it’s a large one.
“It’s well over 150 feet wide. It’s going to carry a lot of traffic. So the sheer size of it. The amount of concrete. The amount of steel that goes into it is unique. As well as in Florida the geological conditions are unique. So there are a lot of underground foundations that go to supporting the bridge. That’s another one of the challenges on the project.”
The bridge covers greater than six miles and can value greater than $865 million.
About 250 employees are on the job right here every day. It will take them till the top of 2025 to finish this challenge.
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Right now there are 4 lanes going every manner however after the challenge is completed there will likely be 6 in every path.
And sure, designers mentioned site visitors circulation will likely be a lot improved.
“I live in Tampa. I grew up in Tampa. I have a lot of friends who are here so they ask questions about it too. So things are going to be better and I’m happy to be able to say that,” mentioned Campbell.
Along with the new bridge, there’s additionally going to be a new pedestrian walkway that’s going to go all the best way throughout for bikers, runners, and walkers.
Although the challenge received’t be accomplished for just a few extra years, when the primary part is full in lower than a 12 months, engineers mentioned drivers ought to begin to see that site visitors transferring higher.
Once the new bridge is completed, the part constructed within the Nineteen Sixties will likely be demolished.
The Howard Frankland bridge first opened in 1960 with simply two lanes in every path and is known as for the Tampa businessman who first proposed it.