HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A $230 million roadway project that started in 2018 is getting ready to open in Tampa Bay.
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) says it plans to let traffic flow across the Selmon West Extension's elevated 1.9-mile toll lane on April 19.
“This project has been 25 years in the making, and I am thrilled it’s finally ready to open. THEA challenged our design-build team to come up with an innovative and aesthetically pleasing design that would minimize the negative effects of construction on the businesses along the Gandy corridor,” THEA Executive Director, Joe Waggoner said.
According to a press release, the Selmon West Extension will use an innovative design of "fins" which have never before been seen in the U.S.
The extension which sits 30-feet off the ground gives drivers the option to either stay on Gandy Boulevard to visit local destinations or hop on the "pass-through" option.
Anyone with a SunPass will be looking at a $0.95 cost to use the extension, while those with Toll-By-Plate billing will be charged $1.31.
“The Selmon Extension provides a critical link that connects businesses, freight, and people from Pinellas County to Hillsborough County. It will help stimulate social and economic prosperity for local businesses and the entire region," Vincent Cassidy, Chairman of THEA Board of Directors said.
"We are proud of the design and the execution and the fact we were able to keep people employed and keep construction moving forward during the pandemic,” he added.
A ribbon-cutting and check presentation will be held at the extension's opening. THEA says the check will be for $2 million to the City of Tampa to rebuild the parks around Gandy Boulevard that were used as staging areas during construction.
Toll revenues and bonds will fully fund the Selmon West Extension without the use of taxpayer dollars, according to THEA.
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