South Selmon Capacity Project
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) will increase the capacity of the existing Lee Roy Selmon Expressway to 6-lanes (one lane in each direction) to help meet anticipated growth. The South Selmon Capacity Project (SSCP) area will extend 4.5 miles from the eastern end of the Selmon Extension to Downtown Tampa.
The South Selmon Capacity Project will address current and future congestion challenges, enhance roadway safety, and help keep cut-through traffic off Bayshore Boulevard and other neighborhood roads.
PROJECT UPDATE
THEA is preparing for construction to improve the Selmon Expressway from south of Himes to east of the Hillsborough River. The improvement will add additional lanes on the inside of the expressway, noise walls to residential areas, enhance 26 bridges including the Hillsborough River bridge to downtown and improve the drainage systems. Construction activities will begin this spring.
Tampa Bay is Growing
Living in Tampa Bay, you’ve likely noticed tremendous growth around you. It’s an exciting time for our region, and we are fortunate to live, work, and play in this place we call home.
However, while living in a flourishing community has many positives, growth brings challenges, one of which is congestion on our roadways. For example, the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway has seen an over 80% increase in traffic over the last decade. And with hundreds of thousands of new residents expected to move to the Tampa Bay region over the coming years, our mobility challenges will only continue to grow.
The South Selmon Capacity Project will address current and future congestion challenges, augment roadway safety, and help keep cut-through traffic off Bayshore Boulevard and other neighborhood roads.
Project Overview
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority’s (THEA) South Selmon Capacity Project will address current and future congestion challenges, augment roadway safety, and help keep cut-through traffic off beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and other neighborhood roads.
This project will improve the capacity of the southern portion of the Selmon Expressway, add noise walls, and improve underpasses. This initiative aims to create a more efficient and safer trip, as well as a quieter and more peaceful environment for nearby residents. At the end of the project, THEA will improve the underpasses – this includes lighting, paint, and walkability within the 4.5-mile project scope. THEA wants to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists as cars transition from the expressway to an urban/suburban environment.
The project is focused on adding a lane in each direction within the existing median and minimizing widening to the outside of the current lanes, which will reduce project costs and shorten the construction period. This will significantly improve daily commutes and enhance safety and the quality of life for our motorists and neighbors.
Construction is set to begin this spring.