Drivers in downtown Tampa will follow a new traffic pattern to allow construction for the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority's (THEA) South Selmon Capacity Project.
Starting at 8 p.m. Oct. 20, South Tampa Street will be closed at East Brorein Street for about two years to allow construction crews to safely install support pillars for the expressway expansion, which will ultimately help ease traffic congestion.
Traffic on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway has increased by more than 80% over the past decade, according to THEA, making this expansion vital to supporting the region's continued growth.
Detour details
Drivers will be directed to a temporarily converted eastbound lane on East Brorein Street, providing direct access to Franklin Street and the Tampa Convention Center Upper Loading Docks. For drivers on Brorein Street, this means the leftmost lane between South Morgan Street and South Florida Avenue will be closed.
The Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage and Exhibit Hall Upper Loading Docks will remain fully accessible throughout construction. Detour signage, barricades and lane separators will be installed throughout the area to help drivers navigate the new configuration.
Overnight prep work: East Brorein Street will have an additional closure between South Tampa Street and South Franklin Street from 8 p.m. Oct. 20 to 5 a.m. Oct. 21 for lane restriping. The Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage entrance will be closed during this time.
Project benefits
This project will deliver significant long-term benefits to Tampa drivers, including:
- Alleviate bottlenecks: Adds an inside lane in each direction to increase expressway capacity, ease severe congestion and keep pace with regional growth.
- Enhance roadway safety: Keeps heavy commuter traffic on the expressway and off residential roads such as Bayshore Boulevard.
- Upgrade pedestrian walkability: Improves underpasses beneath the expressway with new sidewalks and lighting.
About the project
The South Selmon Capacity Project spans 4.5 miles from west of Himes Avenue to east of Florida Avenue, expanding the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway to six lanes within THEA's existing right of way. The $362 million investment is funded entirely through THEA toll revenues, without using state or federal tax dollars, ensuring locally collected toll funds are reinvested directly in Tampa and Hillsborough County infrastructure.
Questions about this project or the traffic pattern change should be directed to THEA at info@southselmoncapacity.com or 813-659-6140.