AASHTO Journal, 3 January 2014
Florida Department of Transportation personnel were joined by federal transportation officials last week to celebrate the completion of a highway project that will improve the movement of people and goods in the Tampa region.
The $421 million I-4/Lee Roy Selmon Expressway Connector project provides new direct truck access to the Port of Tampa, improving safety and cutting congestion on local streets. The I-4 Connector project consists of multiple new north-south toll ramps to and from I-4, the Selmon Expressway, and 20th Street. These ramps will connect the interstate with the Selmon Expressay west of 31st Street in Tampa, providing truck ramps connecting the Port of Tampa with I-4. In addition to removing the truck traffic from local roadways, the new Connector also provides for a new evacuation route during natural disasters, additional access to and from the area for emergency first responders, and a route for commuters traveling into downtown Tampa.
“At FDOT we are committed to ensuring Florida has a world-class transportation system to strengthen our economy, create jobs and improve quality of life. The I-4/Selmon Expressway Connector Project offers significant benefits for the citizens and businesses of Tampa Bay and will become the difference maker for the region,” said FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad in a statement.
About $222 million in federal-aid funding was used to build the Connector, including $105 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The project began in March 2010. The ribbon cutting on Dec. 28 also featured a “Run the Connector” 5k race, allowing the public to get an up-close view of the project.
“The Connector will benefit commuters and others who travel through Tampa by providing easy access between Selmon Expressway and I-4,” said Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Greg Nadeau in a statement. “With less truck traffic in the community, both residents and commercial drivers will get where they’re going more efficiently.”
While the new lanes are scheduled to open to traffic Monday, some additional work will continue on the project through spring 2014.
Additional information on the I-4 Connector project is available here.