Howard Frankland Bridge PD&E Study (northbound) and Regional Transit Corridor Evaluation Public Hearing; WPI Segment No.: 422799 1. The FDOT is conducting a two-session public hearing regarding the replacement of the northbound Howard Frankland Bridge (I-275/SR 93) in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. This span of the bridge opened to traffic in 1959 and is nearing the end of its serviceable life. The proposed improvements involve the replacement of the four-lane northbound I-275 Howard Frankland Bridge over Old Tampa Bay and evaluating options for accommodating a future premium transit envelope within the bridge corridor. A simultaneous Regional Transit Corridor Evaluation is underway to evaluate premium transit alternatives within the bridge corridor to link the Gateway area in Pinellas County to the Westshore area in Hillsborough County. The purpose of this public hearing is to present information and receive public input regarding the bridge replacement; however, information regarding both studies will be available at the public hearing. Interested parties may submit written comments at the hearing or at a later date to: Ming Gao, P.E., Intermodal Systems Development Manager, FDOT - District Seven, 11201 N. McKinley Drive, MS 7-500, Tampa, FL 33612-6456. Written comments will be accepted throughout the PD&E study, but to be included in the public hearing record, comments should be postmarked no later than October 21, 2013.