THEA’s Year of Breakthroughs: 2025 in Review

2025 was a milestone year for the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA)—defined by progress, partnership, and purpose. With gratitude for our dedicated team, community partners, neighbors, and customers, we look back on a year of decisive action and shared achievement.

THEA’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2026–2031 Work Plan, a six-year roadmap representing more than $752 million in capital investment, with $692 million dedicated to infrastructure construction. This plan is more than a list of projects—it’s a shared vision for a safer, smarter, and more connected Tampa Bay. As regional growth accelerates and the Selmon Expressway reaches historic levels of use, we’re advancing projects that enhance mobility, strengthen neighborhoods, and enrich lives through innovation and community investment.

Capacity Investment and Community Focus

A contractor was selected this year to advance the South Selmon Capacity Project, marking a major milestone in one of THEA’s most significant infrastructure investments to date. The project will address current and future congestion challenges, enhance roadway safety, and help prevent cut-through traffic on Bayshore Boulevard and in surrounding neighborhoods. Spanning 4.5 miles from the eastern end of the Selmon Extension to the six-lane section near Florida Avenue downtown, construction will take place within the existing right-of-way. Improvements include modernizing 26 bridges, adding residential noise walls, and enhancing underpasses to improve neighborhood connectivity and aesthetics. Construction begins in Spring 2026.

The US 301 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study advanced this year, which is a critical step in evaluating future options for the growing mobility needs in South Hillsborough County.

Industry Thought Leadership and Engagement

THEA’s leadership team actively engaged and was invited to present at major industry events and conferences nationwide, sharing our forward-thinking strategies and insights from our $752 million work plan. We presented a model for transportation agencies built on strategic reinvestment, agile leadership, collaboration, and leaning into forward-thinking innovation.

Through data-driven project selection and a people-focused approach, we highlighted how an urban agency like THEA utilizes technology not only to manage traffic but also to build a more livable and connected city. Our continued presence on the national stage underscores THEA’s commitment to bringing the best technology and most progressive concepts to Tampa Bay.

Smarter Roads and Financial Stewardship

At THEA, innovation and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand. In 2025, Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed THEA’s strong financial standing with an A2 rating and positive outlook, recognizing our sound management practices, strategic reinvestment, and commitment to long-term sustainability.

We advanced several key technology and safety initiatives this year, including the deployment of new Wrong-Way Driving Detection Systems with alert beacons and in-pavement lighting for faster emergency response. This project will be completed at the beginning of 2026. Expansion of our Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) is also underway, laying the groundwork for real-time operations and connected vehicle integration across our network.

Beyond technology, THEA continues to make strategic investments that strengthen the region’s infrastructure, community spaces, and mobility planning:

Key Areas of Investment:

• Infrastructure Improvements: South Selmon Capacity Project, Whiting Street extension and ramp improvements, US 301 ramp safety upgrades, and resurfacing of Meridian Avenue and Brandon Parkway.
• Community Enhancements: 12th Street Park, Meridian Health Trail, Brorein Street pedestrian safety, and Bay to Bay Community Park.
• Project Development & Environment Studies: US 301 PD&E to support growth in South Hillsborough.
• Technology & Innovation: Roadside Toll Collection and OBOS replacements, ITS and ATMS expansions, Wrong-Way Detection upgrades, V2X integration, and Traffic Management Center build-out.
• Programmatic & Asset Management: Cybersecurity, system-wide performance upgrades, and safety innovations.

These are exciting times as our region continues to welcome new residents and opportunities. THEA is proud to be your transportation partner in building a more connected Tampa Bay.