Bridge Deck Replacement Project 
Beginning in October 2007

 In October, FDOT contractors will begin replacing bridge decking on three Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway bridges on the eastern side, lower level of the expressway.  Users of the elevated lanes will not be affected, but drivers on the lower lanes will go through the construction area between US 41 and Maydell Drive..

Drivers should see staging of equipment in October and the beginning of lane closures and construction in November. 

"There's no safety concerns with regard to the bridge structure," authority spokeswoman Sue Chrzan said. "This is routine maintenance that's been scheduled, and it's time to do it."

Click here for a map of the Eastern portion of the Expressway. The six yellow dots indicate the six worksites over the three bridges. 

Originally expected to take a year, the $6.3 million project will take eight months or less because workers will repair all six bridges at once. The three bridges locations are Maydell Drive, US 41 (50th Street) and the CSX railroad crossing between the two.

In the construction area, one lane in each direction will be closed for the full length of the project. Additional periodic lane closures are expected on US 41 and Maydell Drive during the project.

"We're trying to get this thing done with as little inconvenience to the customer as possible," Chrzan said.

Click here for a close up map of the construction area.  There are entrances to, as well as exits from, the Expressway at 78th Street and 50th Street.

 To avoid the construction area, drivers should consider using the Reversible Express Lanes (REL).  To head into downtown Tampa, access to the REL is in Brandon from the Brandon Parkway or from the lower lanes of the Expressway at 78th Street. 

 The REL is an express route to Meridian Street in downtown Tampa.  To continue west on the Expressway, drivers should take Meridian to Channelside and onto Brorein Street, which leads back to the lower lanes of the Expressway.

 Click here for alternate morning route.

In the afternoon, to leave downtown, enter the REL on Meridian Street or from the lower lanes of the Expressway at the 34th Street entrance ramp.  To exit the REL before Brandon, (for 301 and I-75) drivers should choose the ramp at 78th street which leads back down to the lower lanes of the Expressway.

Click here to see alternate afternoon route.

In order to use the REL, drivers need a SunPass or a Toll by Plate account.  Visit www.sunpass.com or call1.888.865.5352 for more information.   SunPass can be used on any Florida toll facility. 

 Drivers can also set up a Toll by Plate account.  Call 1.888.TAG.TOLL (1.888.824.8655) for more information.

 For more information on the Deck Panel Replacement Project, click here for email or call 813.272.6740.

Please be advised that unforeseen circumstances such as weather may affect the schedule.  The Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority expresses its appreciation and regrets any inconvenience to our customers.