The new Howard Frankland Bridge will open Tuesday after five years of construction. Why it matters: The new bridge, which cost around $865 million, is the most expensive in Florida's history and is intended to ease traffic between Tampa and St.

After a decade of planning and four years of construction, the traffic switch will occur early Tuesday, weather permitting, on the $865 million, eight-lane span over Old Tampa Bay.

Construction is nearly complete for the new Howard Frankland Bridge, one of the bridges that connects drivers to and from Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.