December 21, 2017
***** PUBLIC NOTICE *****
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority (THEA) announces a public meeting/workshop to which all persons are invited.
DATE: January 8, 2018
LOCATION: USF Health CAMLS, 124 S. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602 2nd Floor Executive Board Room
TIME: 1:30 p.m.
PURPOSE: THEA BOARD WORKSHOP
DRIVER ALERT!!!
December 12, 2017 – Tampa, Fla. – DRIVER ALERT!!! The Reverse Express Lanes (REL) will be CLOSED on Monday, December 18th, and Tuesday, December 19th from 10 am – 3 pm for testing of the CV Pilot infrastructure and in-vehicle equipment.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
To learn more about the CV Pilot, please visit https://www.tampacvpilot.com/.
For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email [email protected].
***** PUBLIC NOTICE *****
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority gives notice of its Series 2017B/C Bonds Pre-Closing Meeting where THEA Board Chairman and Secretary will be signing the bond documents.
Location: 1104 East Twiggs Street, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33602
Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Time: 1 pm
December 11, 2017 – Tampa, Fla. – The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is pleased to announce that it was able to sell $152 million of bonds to advance refund its outstanding Series 2012B Bonds which generated savings of over $15 million in debt service payments, as well as issue $36 million of bonds to fund two improvement projects in an attractive rate environment.
“This second bond issuance within a year shows the strength of THEA’s financial condition,” said Vince Cassidy, Chairman of THEA’s Board of Directors. “This transaction demonstrates the high level of confidence investors have with THEA’s cash flow, its leadership team and our community. Investor orders for this bond issue, and our Selmon Extension bonds earlier this year were significantly oversubscribed.” Cassidy continued.
In early November when the tax reform bill was released it included an elimination of advance refunding effective January 1, 2018. THEA reacted swiftly and prepared to complete the advance refunding by year end. On November 21st THEA presented to Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings and on November 28th THEA presented to Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s). On December 5th, THEA received rating confirmations of “A+” from S&P and “A2” from Moody’s. The ratings reflect THEA’s historical and projected strong debt service coverage resulting from continued revenue growth.
“THEA is always looking for opportunities to take advantage of the market and being able to capture nearly 11% debt service savings through an advance refunding, obtain new money at very low rates, and still maintain a high debt service coverage ratio is an accomplishment that bolsters THEA’s capital management program” stated Amy Lettelleir, THEA’s Chief Financial Officer.
Proceeds from this bond sale will provide funds that enable the acceleration of the South Selmon Expressway Improvement Project and the Meridian Ultimate Improvement Project, both are vital to THEA’s commitment to provide safe and reliable transportation services to the Tampa Bay community.
For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email [email protected].
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Media Alert
November 17, 2017
Contact Information: Susan Chrzan
813-272-6740
The Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will open eastbound from 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 22, and remain open heading eastbound until Monday, November 27, at 6 a.m. At that time, REL will resume normal operations.
Motorists are advised that the reversible lane hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work.
For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email [email protected]
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Tampa, November 6, 2017 – For the Veteran’s holiday, on Friday, November 10, 2017, the Reversible Express Lanes (REL) on the Selmon Expressway will maintain normal operation at 6:00 AM, with all traffic moving in the westbound direction from Brandon to the downtown area. At 10:00 AM, all traffic will be reversed to the eastbound direction from the downtown area to Brandon and remain in the eastbound direction until Monday, November 13, 2017, when normal hours of operation will resume. Motorists are advised that the hours of operation on the Reversible Express Lanes are subject to change without notice for construction/maintenance work.
For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email info@tampa?xway.com
Tampa, FL
October 6, 2017 –Beginning October 6th, we will be closing the Gandy Park South on the Southside of Gandy Boulevard and the Al Palonis Park on the north side of Gandy Boulevard for the duration of the Selmon Extension construction. The Gandy Boat ramp will remain open. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
download vms-sign-locations.pdf .5mb
Contact Information
Mellisa McColley
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
813-613- 2306
Tampa, FL September 28, 2017 – Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation in preparation for the Selmon Extension Monday, October 2, 2017 through Sunday, October 22, 2017 workers will be performing preliminary geotechnical work with a small drilling crew on Gandy Boulevard at Culbreath Key Way, between S. Trask St. and Hesperides St., between S. Manhattan Ave. and S. Clarke Ave. and at S. Church St. in preparation for the Selmon Extension project. Work will be performed
from 6 am until 9 pm. All lanes on Gandy Boulevard will remain open during day time operations. Work will also be performed from 9 pm until 6 am with lane closures in these areas.
Please be careful of our workers and drive safely through work zones.
For more information, call 813.613.2306 or email [email protected]
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Tolls Return Thursday Morning
FORT LAUDERDALE September 21, 2017, – Tolls on a vast majority of Florida’s Turnpike system, all Florida Dept of Transportation roads and bridges, and all regional toll facilities throughout the state will be reinstated this Thursday, September 21st at 12:01 a.m. Tolls were suspended on Tuesday, September 5th to help facilitate Hurricane Irma evacuation and relief activities.
Tolls will remain suspended on the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike south of interchange with S.R. 874 (Mile Post 0-17) to resist Monroe County residents with recovery efforts.
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TAMPA – September 7, 2017 – In preparation for Hurricane Irma, the REL will be open eastbound from today until Tuesday, September 12th.
Because of the preparation work to secure the gates on the ramps to the REL, the morning opening is expected to be delayed, perhaps up to an hour. Drivers are urged to check the THEA home page, www.tampa-xway.com to an up-to-the-minute status on the direction of the REL.
Again, the REL will NOT open westbound on Friday, September 8th or Monday, September 11th.
The Expressway Authority’s offices and walk-in toll collection center will be closed Friday, September 8 until Tuesday, September 12.
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September 5, 2017 (TAMPA, Fla.) – Today, Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to suspend tolls across the entire State of Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. By suspending all tolls, Floridians and visitors will more easily be able to prepare for any potential storm impacts, access important hurricane supplies, and quickly and safely evacuate when necessary.
Governor Scott said, “In preparation for the potential impacts of Hurricane Irma, I have directed the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend all tolls across the State of Florida to keep traffic flowing. They will be suspended for the duration of the storm’s impacts to Florida. Ensuring the safety of Florida families and visitors is our top priority and suspending tolls statewide will help people quickly evacuate and make it easier for all Floridians to access important hurricane supplies to ensure they are fully prepared. FDOT has been in constant contact with local districts and stands ready to provide traffic assistance alongside the Florida Highway Patrol and their law enforcement partners. We are continuing to closely monitor the developments of Hurricane Irma and will continue to take aggressive action to keep our state safe.”
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September 1, 2017 – DRIVER ALERT! Geotechnical investigation and boring are being done on Gandy Boulevard in preparation for the Selmon Extension.
From Wednesday, September 6th through Friday, September 8th you will see workers on the shoulders and medians of Gandy Boulevard west of Bridge Street from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm.
All lanes on Gandy Boulevard will remain open. Please be careful of our workers and drive safely through work zones!
August 29, 2017 – Fort Lauderdale- Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) customers now have even more opportunities to conveniently add cash to their SunPass accounts. Through a partnership with 7-Eleven, FTE has expanded the SunPass Cash Reload program to nearly 6,500 replenishment locations.
In order to use the SunPass Reload Card, first pick up a Reload Card from the display rack at 7-Eleven or other reload locations. Easy to follow instructions are on the front and back of the card. Customers are required to activate/register the SunPass Reload card, associating the card to the SunPass transponder account; then load funds (between $10 – $500) onto the SunPass Reload card with a cashier. Customers can add funds to their SunPass accounts using cash or a credit card. Funds are loaded to the customer’s account in real time. A convenience fee of $1.50 is applied for all load/reload transactions. Checking the account balance is free. Simply call the phone number provided on the card.
The SunPass Reload card is reusable and does not expire. To reuse the card, customers present the same SunPass Reload card at the register along with payment. Cashiers will process the sale and funds are immediately loaded to customer’s account. SunPass Reload Cards are available and displayed on the gift card racks in CVS, Walgreens, Sunoco, Speedway and Murphy Oil stores.
SunPass transponders are also available for purchase at thousands of retail locations including Publix, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Navarro Discount Pharmacies, Sedano’s Supermarkets, Amscot, all AAA locations in Florida, Florida Welcome Centers, all Turnpike service plaza gift shops and Shell convenience stores. You can also purchase a transponder at www.SunPass.com or by calling 1-888-TOLL-FLA (865-5352).
SunPass customers always pay the lowest toll rate available. Use your SunPass® transponder on all toll roads and most bridges throughout Florida. SunPass® is now accepted in Georgia and North Carolina with more states coming soon.
August 24, 2017 – Tampa, Fl – The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is pleased to announce that it has completed a $157 million bond sale to finance the Selmon West Extension.
THEA had six times the offers – over $1 billion in orders – for the offering. Because of this overwhelming interest in investing in the Tamp Bay regions, THEA was able to reprice the bonds, thus saving over $800,000 in interest costs.
“The strong demand for the bonds is a reflection of the Authority’s solid financial condition, the positive reception of the project, and interest to invest in our community, said Vincent J. Cassidy, Chairman of THEA’s Board of Directors. “Investors see our region as a good place to put their money based on our strong demographic trends and prospect for continued economic growth as evidenced by other sizeable infrastructure projects in development and on the horizon,” Cassidy continued.
In addition to the strong economy and economic outlook, THEA also received ratings news in the last two weeks. Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings raised its long-term and underlying ratings on THEA’s outstanding revenue bonds from A to A+. At the same time, S&P also assigned its A+ rating to THEA’s Series 2017 Bonds for the financing of the Selmon West Extension. In addition, Moody’s Investor Services assigned its rating of A2 on THEA’s Series 2017 Bonds and affirms the A2 on THEA’s outstanding parity senior bonds.
THEA’s management team, traffic and revenue consultant, general engineering consultant, financial advisor and Board Chairman presented to both rating agencies in July. THEA’s team reported strong traffic and revenue growth in recent years, steady population growth that provides adequate demand for the expressway, and the strong demand for the Selmon Expressway as an essential commuter facility. The A+ and A2 ratings from S&P and Moody’s respectively are reflective of their confidence in THEA’s financial strength and capabilities of operating and maintaining the Selmon Expressway and were an important factor in investor interest.
Proceeds from the Bonds will provide the Authority funding for capital projects, including the Selmon West Extension Project, which will offer travelers a direct connection to the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, alleviating the traffic congestion on Gandy Boulevard and creating greater capacity and access to neighborhoods and businesses.
“THEA is well positioned over the next five years due to well-maintained physical assets and current capital program” stated Amy Lettelleir, THEA’s Chief Financial Officer. THEA’s revenue bonds, and the agreement provides THEA with operational autonomy and complete control over revenues.
“We’re very happy with the ratings we received” said Mr. Cassidy.
For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email [email protected].
August 22, 2017 – Tampa, Fla.- The parking lot under the Selmon Expressway on the south side of Bay to Bay Boulevard bordered by Santiago and MacDill Avenue will be closed from Monday, August 28th through Wednesday, September 6th to pressure wash under the Selmon Expressway.
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority thanks you for your patience. We regret any inconvenience.
For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email [email protected].
August 22, 2017 – Tampa, Fla.- The Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will open eastbound from 1 p.m. Friday, September 1st and remain heading eastbound until Tuesday, September 5th at 6 a.m. At that time the REL will open westbound and then resume normal operations.
Motorists are advised that the reversible lane hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work.
For more information, call 813.272.6740 or email [email protected]
Tampa, FL – August 16, 2017 – The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is extremely pleased to announce favorable ratings from two highly respected rating agencies.
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings has raised its long-term and underlying ratings on THEA’s outstanding revenue bonds from A to A+. At the same time, S&P also assigned its A+ rating to THEA’s Series 2017 Bonds for the financing of the Selmon West Extension. Among the independent expressway authorities in Florida, THEA has the highest rating from S&P.
In addition, Moody’s Investor Services assigned its rating of A2 on THEA’s Series 2017 Bonds and affirms the A2 on THEA’s outstanding parity senior bonds.
THEA’s management team, traffic and revenue consultant, general engineering consultant, financial advisor and Board Chairman presented to both rating agencies in July. THEA’s team reported stronger than forecasted traffic and revenue growth in recent years, steady population growth that provides adequate demand for the expressway, and the strong demand for the Selmon Expressway as an essential commuter facility. The A+ and A2 ratings from S&P and Moody’s respectively are reflective of their confidence in THEA’s financial strength and capabilities of operating and maintaining the Selmon Expressway.
The agency will go to the bond market at the end of this month to finance the Selmon West Extension project. This is THEA’s first major construction project as an independent authority.
“Having S&P upgrade THEA’s rating to A+ and Moody’s affirmation of its A2 rating will result in lower borrowing costs for the Authority,” said Amy Lettelleir, THEA’s chief financial officer.
“THEA has worked hard to get and keep the Authority in a strong financial position. This allows us to do more transportation projects for the Tampa Bay area, all without adding to the state’s debt,” said Joe Waggoner, executive director, THEA.
Board Chair Vincent J Cassidy said, “I couldn’t be more proud of our leadership team and all they have accomplished for the authority and our community. The raising of our bond rating is recognition of the successful execution of our strategy as well as how we manage our cash flow and our projects, including the upcoming $250 million expansion of our system.”
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ABOUT THEA:
As the owner and operator of the Selmon Expressway, the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority’s (THEA) mission is to provide safe, reliable, and financially sustainable transportation services to the Tampa Bay region while reinvesting customer-based revenues back into the community.
Our vision is to lead, partner, and implement safe, economically sound, and innovative multi-modal transportation solutions for our Tampa Bay Community.
Follow the THEA on Twitter: @THEASelmon
Like us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TampaHillsboroughExpresswayAuthority/
August 14, 2017 – Tampa, Fla.- The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) Board of Directors voted to approve awarding the Selmon West Extension Design-Build contract to the team of Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. and AECOM. The cost of the contract is just over $230 million and will be paid for out of toll revenues and bond proceeds.
The Selmon Extension is a 2-mile toll lane in the median of Gandy Boulevard that will offer a choice for regional travelers to either use Gandy Boulevard for local destinations or use the Selmon Extension for a direct connection to the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, Dale Mabry Highway or the Gandy Bridge.
THEA’s goal was to find the team best suited to build an aesthetically-pleasing bridge while minimizing the construction impact on residents, business owners, and commuters. Four teams were selected to present their proposals that showcased innovation in both design and construction techniques. Factors such as design approach, construction approach, the number of days to complete the project, and lane and road closures, and price were all considered during the scoring process.
“Local residents, Gandy businesses, and commuters are important to us. In an effort to minimize construction impacts, we will work to ensure that the project is completed within THEA’s approved timeline,” said Joe Waggoner, Executive Director, THEA.
“It was a competitive process with four outstanding teams submitting proposals. THEA’s Technical Review committee, which included representatives from the Department of Transportation did an outstanding job of considering all of the factors when reviewing and scoring the proposals. The Kiewit and AECOM proposal depicted a signature bridge, one that will further promote the Tampa Bay area as an exciting place to live, work, and play,” said Vince Cassidy, Chairman of THEA’s Board of Directors.
Construction of the Selmon West Extension is expected to begin in early 2018, with an anticipated operational date in late 2020.
ABOUT THEA:
As the owner and operator of the Selmon Expressway, the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority’s (THEA) mission is to provide safe, reliable, and financially sustainable transportation services to the Tampa Bay region while reinvesting customer-based revenues back into the community.
Our vision is to lead, partner, and implement safe, economically sound, and innovative multi-modal transportation solutions for our Tampa Bay Community.
Follow THEA on Twitter: @THEASelmon
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TampaHillsboroughExpresswayAuthority
August 4, 2017 – The Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will close, Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 7:00 am. All five entry points will be closed, Downtown Entrance, 34th Street Entrance, 301 Entrance, Brandon Entrance and 78th Street Entrance until Sunday, August 6, 2017, at 6 pm when the REL will open in the east bound direction, resuming normal hours of operation.
The Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority thank you for your patience as upgraded software is installed to enhance service to our customers. We regret any inconvenience.
Motorists are advised that the REL hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work. Click here to download the media alert.
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority (THEA) revises its 2017 meeting schedule as follows:
DATE: Previously scheduled July 24, 2017, THEA Board Meeting canceled. Previously scheduled August 28, 2017, THEA Board Meeting rescheduled to August 14, 2017.
LOCATION: Authority’s Administrative Office, 1104 E. Twiggs Street, 1st Floor Board Room, Tampa, Florida 33602
TIME: 1:30 p.m.
All meetings will also be posted on the Authority’s website (www.tampa-xway.com), and at the Authority’s office. For additional information on this notice or copies of agendas, please contact the Authority at (813) 272-6740.
Any person requiring special accommodations to attend or participate in an Authority meeting, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, should call Donna Obuchowski at (813) 276-2113 at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting.
The Authority’s communications media technology policy provides that there may be occasions where one or more Board members participate in meetings by telephone, in which case a speaker phone shall be utilized in order that any interested persons attending the meeting may be fully informed of the discussion taking place by Board members attending in person as well as those attending by telephone.
NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by THEA’s Board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
August 4, 2017 – In July, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority opened the Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park located on Raymond Street, along the Selmon Greenway as its first park. Today, THEA is excited to announce that construction of five pocket parks will begin on August 10, 2017. The Selmon Greenway is approximately 1.7 miles in length providing a connector for pedestrians and bike traffic to Downtown locations and activities. Construction will continue through to December 2017.
There are five parks under construction, beginning at the west end in Downtown Tampa’s Central Business District and ending near the School Board Building. (From Tampa Street to Kennedy Boulevard, underneath the Expressway.)
All the work will be accomplished during daytime hours. Pedestrians should be aware of possible sidewalk detours and closures throughout the construction area.
Who: Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) and The City of Tampa
What: Grand Opening and Dedication of the Hillsborough County Sheriff Deputy John Kotfila Memorial Dog Park
Where: 705 Raymond Street, Tampa, FL 33602, underneath the Selmon Expressway, behind the Bell Channelside Apartments
When: Saturday, June 24th from 9 am – 12 pm; Dedication and remarks at 9:30 am
Why: To honor Deputy Kotfila’s service and sacrifice to our community. After learning of the strong bond between Deputy Kotfila and his German Shepard, Dexter, THEA built the dog park in remembrance of Deputy Kotfila. The City of Tampa will maintain the dog park.
About the Event:
This is a family-friendly event. Activities for children include a toddler seahorse dry slide, octopus playland, bouncy house and Connect Four game. The Kotfila Dog Park is in the shade of the Expressway so fur babies will have the opportunity to try out the new dog park in comfort! Giveaways include portable dog bowls, treats, and photos.
Tampa, FL May 22, 2017 – Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will open eastbound at 1 pm, Friday, May 26, 2017, and will remain eastbound until 6:00 am, Tuesday, May 30, 2017. At that time, the REL will be open in the westbound direction from Brandon to the downtown area, resuming normal operation hours.
Click here to download the Media Alert – Memorial Day REL Schedule
Tampa, FL April 3, 2017 –On Friday, April 14, the Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will operate under normal hours at 6:00 a.m. in the westbound direction. At 10 a.m. the REL will be reversed eastbound and remain eastbound until Monday, April 10th, 2017 6 a.m. resuming normal operating hours.
Motorists are advised that the REL hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work.
Please check back for updates.
Improvements Scheduled for Meridian Avenue
Tampa, FL April 3, 2017 – The Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), in conjunction with the City of Tampa, is working to make Meridian Avenue a safer road for pedestrians and bicyclists. In addition to the sidewalk and median work, we will also resurface Meridian Avenue beginning Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Resurfacing operations will take place from 8 pm to 5 am Sunday through Thursday. We will work around the Tampa Bay Lighting schedule.
This will be a moving operation to complete the project with periodic lane closures possible. No driveways will be blocked for any appreciable time.
Safety is the most important aspect of the project. Please work with us in respecting all signs and construction zones, as well as driving at the posted speed. Avoid contact with the hot asphalt when on foot, bikes, or rollerblades until the surface has cooled, typically 4-6 hours.
The expected completion of the project is around April 16, 2017. Weather and unforeseen circumstance may influence the progress of work.
Click here to download the Press Release -Improvements on Meridian
Tampa, March 28, 2017 – The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority will continue pressure washing the Reversible Express Lanes (REL) every evening for approximately the next four weeks from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. However, a new section of the Expressway will be closed.
Eastbound vehicles will be directed off the Selmon Expressway at 50th Street to Adamo
Drive and back onto the Expressway at US 301.
Westbound vehicles will be directed off the Selmon Expressway at 301 to Adamo Drive and back onto the Expressway at 50th Street.
Both eastbound and westbound tolls at 50th Street will be suspended during this closure.
The closure will be timed as to not affect eastbound traffic after Amelia Arena Lightning games.
Click here to download the Media Alert – Pressure Washing Phase 2
Closures on the Selmon Expressway This Week Pressure Washing Continues For the Next Four Weeks
Tampa FL, March 8, 2017 – The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority will start pressure washing the Reversible Express Lanes (REL) every evening for approximately the next four weeks from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. This work will begin on Sunday, March 13, 2017, at 8:00 p.m.
Eastbound vehicles will be directed off the Selmon Expressway at 22nd Street to Adamo Drive and back on the Expressway at 50th Street. Westbound vehicles will have the same detour in reverse. The 22nd Street tolls will be suspended during this closure. Closures will be timed as to not affect eastbound traffic after Amelia Arena Lightning games.
Tampa FL, February 23, 2017 – The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is preparing to test and deploy new technology designed to improve transportation in downtown Tampa as part of its Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment project. The agency’s vehicle systems integration partner, Brandmotion of Southfield Michigan, has selected three companies to provide the cutting-edge communications equipment that will make the project possible: Commsignia, Santa Clara CA, Savari, Santa Clara CA and SiriusXM, New York NY.
Later this year, the Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot will begin equipping buses, streetcars, and privately owned vehicles with technology that will enable them to communicate with each other and with traffic signals, crosswalks and other elements of the transportation infrastructure. Pedestrians may also participate by downloading and using a smartphone app.
The goal is to provide equipped drivers, transit riders and pedestrians in downtown Tampa a range of safety and mobility benefits, including crash prevention, enhanced traffic flow, and greenhouse gas reductions. Vehicles participating in the pilot project will require in-vehicle displays, antennas and radio communication devices called onboard units. Commsignia, Savari and SiriusXM will supply the onboard units, which communicate with each other and with roadside equipment. Brandmotion is responsible for systems integration and testing. Researchers will compare the units’ performance and measure the effectiveness of the overall system.
Tampa was one of just three sites in the nation to be selected for the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program, which seeks to spur innovation among early adopters of connected vehicle applications. The four-year effort began in September 2015, when USDOT awarded THEA a $17 million contract to implement its winning proposal. The project reached another milestone in September 2016, when USDOT authorized THEA and its partners to proceed with the second phase, which includes design, testing, and deployment. The third and final phase, expected to begin in mid-2018, will involve the full-scale operation of connected vehicle technology throughout downtown Tampa.
To implement the pilot project, THEA has assembled a team that includes HNTB, Siemens, the University of South Florida Center for Urban Transportation Research and Global 5 Communications. Key partners include the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Tampa, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), the TECO Line Streetcar System and Hillsborough Community College.
Tampa, FL, January 30, 2017 – The Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes (REL) will close, Wednesday, February 1, 2017, and Thursday, February 2, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. from the 78th street slip ramp to downtown Tampa. Will be open eastbound from the 301 entrance.
The Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority thanks you for your patience and regrets any inconvenience.
TAMPA – (January 20, 2017) – To help facilitate the flow of traffic during the Gasparilla Celebration, please be advised of changes to Reversible Express Lanes normal operating hours.
On both Saturdays, the REL will be turned westbound (toward Tampa) at 8 am. Then at 4 pm, the REL will be reversed and will run eastbound (toward Brandon), The REL will remain open eastbound until 6 am Monday, January 30th, when it will resume its normal westbound operation.
TAMPA (January 2, 2017) -The Hillsborough Expressway says the reversible lanes on the Selmon Expressway will have special hours this weekend to accommodate the heavy traffic expected for various events.
Normally, the reversible express lanes on the Selmon are turned eastbound from 1 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday. However, to accommodate several special events that are happening in downtown Tampa, the reversible lanes will have special hours Saturday (Jan. 7) and Sunday (Jan. 8).
On Saturday, the reversible lanes will be turned westbound at 11 a.m. and then reversed to the eastbound direction at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, the reversible lanes will be turned westbound at 11 a.m. and then reversed to the eastbound direction at 8 p.m.
At 6 a.m. Monday (Jan. 9), the reversible lanes will open westbound and resume normal operating hours.
Remember, the reversible lane hours are subject to change without notice for maintenance and construction work.
Press Release – REL Schedule for the National Championship Game Weekend
Media Contact
Sue Chrzan
Communications Director
813-272-6740 ext 130
