The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) has approved a $362 million contract for the South Selmon Capacity Project.
The board awarded the contract to Archer Western Construction on Sept. 22, setting the stage for the most significant Selmon investment since the extension opened in 2021.
The expansion reflects the region’s rapid growth and rising traffic demands. Plans call for new lanes, modernized bridges and neighborhood upgrades shaped by public engagement.
What Happened
The South Selmon Capacity Project will add one lane in each direction, along 4.5 miles of roadway between the Selmon Extension and downtown Tampa. Major components include:
- Modernization of 26 bridges, including a signature Hillsborough River span
- Noise walls in residential areas
- Redesigned underpasses with lighting, landscaping and pedestrian access
- A dog park and gathering space at Bay-to-Bay and MacDill, developed through community input
- Intelligent Transportation Systems for real-time monitoring and faster response
“This project reflects THEA’s commitment to building infrastructure that serves people first,” said Greg Slater, CEO and executive director of THEA.
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What’s Happening Next
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and is expected to conclude by 2030. The $362 million cost will be funded through toll revenue.
“Selecting a contractor is a major milestone in bringing this vision to life,” said Vince Cassidy, chair of THEA’s board. “This is a $362 million commitment to regional mobility and neighborhood quality of life.”
Implications
The expansion is expected to reduce congestion along one of Tampa Bay’s busiest corridors. By easing traffic on the expressway, pressure on neighborhood streets such as Bayshore Boulevard and MacDill Avenue is also expected to decline.
For businesses, the project underscores how infrastructure investment supports economic growth and development opportunities in South Tampa and downtown. For neighborhoods, the inclusion of noise walls, safer pedestrian connections and new community amenities address long-standing quality-of-life concerns.
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The Bottom Line
The South Selmon Capacity Project represents Tampa Bay’s most significant roadway expansion in more than a decade. By combining mobility upgrades with community-focused enhancements, the initiative reflects an effort to prepare the region for growth while preserving neighborhood stability.
