An expansion to six lanes of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway is scheduled to start as soon as spring 2026.
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority approved a $362 million contract for the South Selmon Capacity Project and awarded it to Archer Western Construction last week.
The project will focus on a 4.5-mile southern stretch between downtown Tampa and the Selmon Extension to Gandy Boulevard.
It is expected to take four years to complete, with plans to wrap up by the summer of 2030, according to Greg Deese, the authority's director of operations and engineering.
Deese says widening the section of the expressway — one new lane in each direction — should lighten congestion in South Tampa. In addition, ramps at entries and exits will be extended to relieve bottlenecks.
“We’re seeing commensurate increases in traffic on the Selmon,” Deese said. “And as a result, we’re starting to see congestion on certain parts of our system. One of the biggest areas of congestion is in the area that we’re widening, specifically between Dale Mabry (Highway) and the downtown viaduct.”
Deese said part of the reason for the expansion is Tampa’s growth and increased traffic. The expressway has seen an 80% increase in traffic over the last decade, according to the authority's website.
Bottlenecks are common before and during weekday rush hours and downtown events. That often creates heavy cut-through traffic on Bayshore Boulevard and other neighborhood roads.
Other aspects of the project include:
- 26 bridges will be modernized, including the downtown span over the Hillsborough River.
- The addition of advanced technology for traffic monitoring.
- Noise barrier walls.
- A dog park/community area at the underpass at Bay to Bay Boulevard and MacDill Avenue.
Construction will happen during the day to maximize efficiency, but it shouldn’t create road closures.
The good news for commuters, Deese said, is that lane closures and delays will happen typically between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
“Closures will only be when they have to bring in materials, bring in equipment or actually construct things on the roadway itself,” Deese said. “Those will be typically off-peak hours.”
Deese said the authority will post updates on its website and social media for information on lane closures and delays.
