Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) Announces Winners of 2026 USF-SE Bridge Building Competition

Tampa, FL. – THEA is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 USF-SE Bridge Building Competition, held at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Engineering during the university’s annual Engineering Expo on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The event is hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers USF Student Chapter and sponsored by THEA.

An annual tradition for more than a decade, the competition brings together middle and high school students from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties to apply core STEM principles in a hands-on setting. Student teams design and construct bridges using only balsa wood and glue, testing their structures against increasing weight to determine strength and efficiency. The competition drew fifteen teams from around the region.

“These competitions are one way we continue to invest in the next generation, carrying forward Mr. Selmon’s passion and commitment to this community while honoring the legacy of the man our expressway is named after,” says Greg Slater, Executive Director and CEO of THEA.

Middle School Winners

1st Place: Bridgettes, Cambridge Christian School

2nd Place: Essa Gallasites, Terrace Community Middle School

3rd Place: Bridge One, Cambridge Christian School

High School Winners

1st Place: Balsa Bosses, Gaither High School

2nd Place: Demolition Crew, Newson High School

3rd Place: Dunedin, Dunedin High School

Overall Competition Winners

Overall Efficiency Winner: Bridgettes, Cambridge Christian School

Design Aesthetics and Originality Winner: Balsa Brainiacs, Gaither High School

Download photos from the event HERE or on THEA’s Facebook page, HERE.

The event is part of THEA on-going commitment to its Selmon STEM Partnership Program. Established in honor of Lee Roy Selmon, the program provides scholarships, paid internships, and mentorship opportunities to USF students pursuing engineering and related fields.

About Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA)

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is an award-winning and dynamic transportation agency committed to enriching lives by connecting communities. THEA owns, manages, and operates the Selmon Expressway system, which includes Meridian Avenue, Brandon Parkway, and the Selmon Greenway. As part of its mission, THEA continues to reinvest revenue generated by its assets back into the community through innovative infrastructure projects, safety enhancements, and economic development initiatives.THEA processes 78 million toll transactions and serves almost 4 million customers annually.

For more information, visit www.tampa-way.com.

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