Tampa Kicks Off $362 Million Selmon Expressway Overhaul

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority has started a $362 million upgrade of the South Selmon Expressway. Workers will add lanes and build new bridges on a 4.5-mile section from downtown to Gandy Boulevard.

Construction starts March 2026, with plans to finish in 2030. The work adds two lanes and includes a striking new bridge that crosses the Hillsborough River by the convention center. Short merges will stretch longer, making drives safer.

"We're about 19% to 20% over where we thought we were going to be when we were projecting traffic pre-COVID," said Gregory Slater, CEO of THEA, according to Tampa Bay 28. "We're seeing growth in traffic, not only in the peaks, but we're seeing growth in the middle of the day."

This work marks the start of a bigger $752 million plan. Most of the money, $692 million, goes to building costs. Toll money will pay for the South Selmon changes.

New walls will block noise in nearby streets. Brighter lights and safe walking paths will make underpasses less scary at night. The changes match what drivers need in 2026 and beyond.

"We're asking our customers to pay a toll. We don't want them to pay a toll and sit in traffic — you want to pay a toll and have a pleasant experience," Slater said.

Local driver Demtrius Alexander wants faster results. "I wish it wasn't four years — I wish it was tomorrow," he told WTSP.

The space under the expressway will turn into parks. Near Bay-to-Bay and MacDill Avenue, plans show spots for dogs to run, paths to walk, and maybe pickleball games. THEA wants neighbors to share what they'd like in these spots.

Driver John Long backs the focus on safety. "Anything that will keep people safe, that may slow down some of the draft ... anything that slows us down and makes us aware of hazard or makes the freeway safer, I think it's a good thing," Long said per TampaBay28.

A new Whiting Street project will help handle big crowds going to arena events. THEA aims to wrap up all South Selmon work by 2030, making drives smoother for years to come.