Mobility & Connectivity: Prioritizing Tampa’s Infrastructure for a Growing Region

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is starting construction for the South Selmon Capacity Project. The $362 million investment designed to address the 80% traffic increase the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway has seen over the last decade.

Community Open House Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 13th at the Kate Jackson Community Center. Being out in the community and listening to our neighbors and customers is important to us. If you couldn’t make it, see more information on the project HERE or check out our website southselmoncapacity.com.

Project Scope and Benefits

The project covers a 4.5-mile stretch from west of Himes Avenue to east of Florida Avenue. Key improvements include:

  • Improved Traffic Flow: Added lanes and longer merge areas ease congestion. 
  • Neighborhood Protection: Reduce cut-through traffic on neighborhood streets and Bayshore Boulevard.
  • Signature Downtown Bridge: Aesthetic enhancements to Hillsborough River Bridge into downtown.
  • Advanced Safety: Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology for real-time monitoring and faster response, and includes wrong way driving detection systems.
  • Upgraded Stormwater Features: Modernized stormwater infrastructure to improve drainage and increase system resilience.
  • Noise Walls:  Installed in residential areas within the project limits and will feature an attractive brick design. 
  • Upgraded Underpasses: Include sidewalk enhancements, improved lighting, brick or stamped concrete accents by location, crushed shells, and fresh paint.
  • Bay-to-Bay Park: We will re-engage with the community to gather input, and the Bay-to-Bay/MacDill underpass will be reimagined into a multi-use park.

Why This Matters: Infrastructure Week 2026

Our construction kickoff coincides with National Infrastructure Week (May 18–22), a time dedicated to the systems that keep our economy and daily lives functioning. The South Selmon Capacity Project is a prime example of why these investments are critical.

Reliable infrastructure is the difference between a city that thrives and one that stalls. By expanding the Selmon Expressway now, we are proactively managing the growth expected in the coming years. This isn’t just about adding asphalt; it’s about ensuring that Tampa’s growth is sustainable. 

Investing in these improvements today ensures that Tampa remains mobile and accessible for generations to come.