Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Board of Directors Approves Selmon West Extension Design-Build Contract

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.

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