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THEA Approves $752 Million Work Plan to Fuel Tampa Bay’s Transportation Future

TAMPA, FL (July 2, 2025) — The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) Board of Directors has unanimously adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 – 2031 Work Plan, outlining a six-year vision that represents more than $752 million in capital investment, with $692 million dedicated to infrastructure construction that support community connectivity, long-term performance, and transportation innovation across the region.

“This work plan allows us to bring well thought-out, finely crafted transportation solutions that will have a lasting economic and community impact,” said Greg Slater, CEO and Executive Director of THEA. “We’re not just building for today—we’re building a smarter, safer, and more connected future for Tampa Bay.”

Guided by THEA’s Strategic Blueprint and a data-driven project selection process, the FY2026 plan is a focused, tactical investment strategy that balances growth, risk mitigation, and state-of-good-repair priorities.

Key Areas of Investment:

1. Infrastructure Improvements

THEA will invest $692 million in infrastructure improvements over the next six years, prioritizing high-capacity projects that ensure long-term system reliability, congestion relief, and regional mobility. Projects include:

• South Selmon Capacity Project 
• Whiting Street Extension and Ramp improvements 
• Selmon Expressway/US 301 Ramp capacity and safety improvements
• Start of East Selmon improvements
• Resurfacing of Meridian Avenue and Brandon Parkway
• Drainage work and structural preservation upgrades 

2. Community Enhancements

• 12th Street Park development
• Meridian Health Trail and Meridian Avenue refresh
• Brorein Street pedestrian safety improvements
• Bay to Bay Boulevard Community Park

 

3. Project Development & Environment Studies

• US 301 PD&E to support growth in South Hillsborough 

4. Technology & Innovation Enhancements

• Roadside Toll Collection System (RTCS) Replacement 
• Operational Back Office System (OBOS) Replacement 
• Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Expansion 
• Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Deployment
• Wrong-Way Driving Detection Expansion
• Secure V2X connected vehicle integration (DOE Grant)

• Traffic Management Center build-out 

5. Programmatic and Asset Management

• Asset Management Technology Expansion
• Cybersecurity and risk management initiatives
• Facility and system-wide asset performance upgrades
• Transportation safety innovations

 

“The unanimous approval of this plan demonstrates our Board’s confidence in THEA’s ability to deliver results that matter,” said Vincent Cassidy, Chair of THEA’s Board of Directors. “These investments are rooted in fiscal discipline, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of what our community needs to thrive for generations to come.”

 

ABOUT 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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