Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority readies $767M in projects

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority has unanimously approved a $767.7 million work program that will fund six years’ worth of road projects, the agency says, modernizing transportation operations, preserving critical infrastructure and preparing the region for future growth.

The plan, which the agency calls “one of the most ambitious capital programs” in its history, also calls for a 2.4% year-over-year decrease in THEA’s expenditures, according to a statement.

The THEA board approved the plan Monday after three years of planning, according to a release. The projects, which will be completely funded through toll revenues instead of taxes, fall under three categories. 

About 83% of funding, or $635 million, is dedicated to enhancement and capacity projects while 15% of funding is for preservation and rehabilitation projects and 2% of funding is for “programmatic initiatives” that position the agency for future investments and improvements. 

“Tampa Bay’s growth is creating new demands on our transportation system, and this work program is designed to stay ahead of that growth,” CEO and Executive Director of THEA Greg Slater says in the release. 

The projects will be completed between fiscal years 2027 to 2032 and are meant to create a modern transportation system that addresses regional growth and improves reliability while also preserving critical infrastructure, the agency says. 

Major construction projects in the program include: 

• The completion of the South Selmon Capacity Project, which adds a new lane in each direction and new transitions with longer merge areas into surrounding roadways.  
• Construction will begin in fall 2028 on an overhaul of Whiting Street, which will be extended to connect the Channel district with the central business district. 
• In early 2030, THEA will begin construction on the East Selmon Expressway expansion by adding another lane in each direction. 
• Fully funding efforts to “refresh” Meridian Avenue in Tampa and the Brandon Parkway corridor in Brandon.

“This work program reflects a balanced approach to growth and stewardship,” says Vincent Cassidy, chair of THEA’s board of directors. “THEA is continuing to invest aggressively in the projects and technologies our region needs while maintaining strong financial discipline and focusing on long-term system performance.”