The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) owns, operates and maintains the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in Tampa. The Selmon Expressway is a tolled highway. The Reversible Express Lanes (REL), a highway within a highway, runs in the middle on the eastern side of the highway with two non-tolled feeder roads, Brandon Parkway in Brandon and Meridian Avenue in Tampa, providing the entrance and exit to the REL. Additionally, THEA owns and operates the Selmon Greenway, a multipurpose recreational pathway running beneath and alongside the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.
THEA was established by statute in 1963 (pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 348.0001 et seq.). THEA was established as a way to bring roadway infrastructure projects online sooner than with conventional department of transportation funding, with the first roadway opening in 1973.
THEA originally planned the neighboring Veteran's Expressway; however, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise actually built the project.
The state legislature has attempted to shut down THEA on numerous occasions during its history and transfer ownership to the Florida's Turnpike Enterprise. The most recent attempt occurred in March, 2011 when the legislature attempted to pass a bill that would eliminate THEA, the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority, and Mid-Bay Bridge Authority ostensibly to save the state money. The plan was later abandoned when the state's budget was written [3].
Since its establishment, THEA has been responsible for development of numerous roadway projects in Hillsborough County.
1970s–1980s: THEA designed and built the original South Crosstown Expressway in 1974 (5 miles in length) and extended it in 1979 and 1985. By 1986, the Crosstown Expressway totaled 15 miles in length and connected South Tampa to Downtown Tampa and east to Interstate 75.
1980s: During the early 1980s, THEA planned, designed and began purchasing right-of-way for construction of the Veterans Expressway project. The project was eventually constructed and is now operated by the Florida's Turnpike Enterprise.
July 17, 1985: Paul Raymond Speer chosen as the Executive Director
February 1, 1996: Patrick J. McCue chosen as the Executive Director
1996: THEA began planning the Brandon feeder roads which eventually became the Brandon Parkway, a 3.5-mile system of non-tolled feeder and circulation roads in eastern Hillsborough County. Construction of this project was completed in 2004. In addition to providing much needed capacity and access, the roadway also features a heavily landscaped park-like setting with urban architecture and a recreational trail.
1998–2006: THEA began planning the Reversible Express Lanes project, a ten-mile long set of reversible lanes from Brandon to downtown Tampa, most of which is constructed on a concrete segmental bridge in the Expressway median. Designed to save the expressway corridor for future transportation needs, the bridge was completed in 2006 and is now in operation. The project ran one year behind schedule because of an incident related to a foundation design flaw that resulted in the collapse of a bridge section during construction. The Authority settled a lawsuit with URS Corporation for $65 million for design and construction management issues related to the incident.
1999: The Crosstown Expressway is renamed the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
2000: THEA (along with FDOT and Florida's Turnpike) began planning for what is now known as the I-4/Selmon Expressway Connector, an innovative, elevated route that would safely channel truck cargo traffic from I-4 to the Port of Tampa. Construction of the Connector has begun and was completed in 2014.[1]
2005–2007: In cooperation with the City of Tampa, THEA advertised for private concessionaires to construct the East-West Road (a City project) from New Tampa to I-275. The East-West Road is actually the remnants of the failed Lutz Expressway, which was originally part of the Northwest Hillsborough Expressway. In 2007, this project was deemed too costly to proceed.
March 2006: THEA opens the Meridian Gateway project into the Channel District of Downtown Tampa. This $50 Million construction of a new boulevard into the City that includes unique urban architecture, street and pedestrian lighting and landscaping has become a catalyst for more than $1 Billion in new investment in the downtown urban core.
May 2006: THEA restarted efforts on the beltway system to provide a much-needed bypass of downtown Tampa for many trips that are needlessly forced through the downtown area by the current roadway system. The beltway would also provide service to the extremely large suburban areas that already exist on the periphery of the city as well as the 400,000 of new population that is already being planned for the next twenty years in Hillsborough County. In 2007, this project was tabled.
July 2006 – August 2006: The Reversible Express Lanes opened to traffic.
November 1, 2006: The Florida Turnpike Enterprise, in cooperation with THEA, began a new toll program called Pay-by-Plate. The program is designed to allow non-transponder customers to use the Reversible Express Lanes, without having to purchase a SunPass. The program uses a network of high resolution cameras along the expressway to create snapshots of a license plate. Commuters who sign up for the pre-paid program have the toll deducted from their account. This program is not currently being offered by the Expressway.
November 13, 2006: THEA interim director, Ralph Mervine resigns amid harsh controversy.
July 10, 2007: Joseph C. Waggoner Jr. is chosen as the new executive director of THEA. Waggoner was previously the Maryland Transportation Authority's planning and development chief.
July 28, 2008: THEA unveils a brand new logo for the Selmon Expressway, which is slated to replace all existing logos along the thoroughfare.
Spring 2010: THEA announced that it would end staffed toll collection on the Selmon Expressway and transition to an open-road tolling system on the entire throughfare. Customers drive on the expressway and pass under gantries that hold the tolling equipment. If a customer does not have a SunPass transponder, THEA bundles the tolls and send the customer a monthly bill.
May 2015: The Selmon Greenway opened. The Selmon Greenway is a pedestrian-friendly, urban green path that runs through downtown Tampa. The Greenway connects several popular neighborhoods of Tampa, including Ybor City, Channelside, and Water Street with the Riverwalk.
September 2015: THEA received award from U.S. Department of Transportation to begin working with them as a Connected Vehicle (CV) Pilot site.
May 2017: Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park opened. This is THEA's first Selmon Greenway Pocket Park, and it is located at 626 N. Raymond Avenue, underneath the Selmon Expressway behind the Bell Channelside Apartments.
December 2017: Selmon Extension groundbreaking. The extension is a 1.9-mile toll lane located in the median of Gandy Boulevard, which gives a choice for local residents and regional travelers: use Gandy Boulevard for local destinations or use the Selmon Extension for a direct connection to the Selmon Expressway or the Gandy Bridge.
2018: Shop Gandy business support campaign launched to help businesses along the Gandy Boulevard corridor before, during and after the construction of the Selmon Extension.
October 2019: Inducted into the ITS World Congress Hall of Fame. The Awards recognize individuals, industries, and local governments striving to set the bar higher and enhance the end-user experience. Local solutions often have broader applications, ensuring international transport, safety, and technology improvements, enhancing livability in cities and communities.
May 2019: In cooperation with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International, THEA successfully conducted the first-ever publicly accessible autonomous vehicle demonstration rides in Tampa, Florida.
2020: South Selmon Safety Project completed. The South Selmon Safety Project enhances driver safety by constructing a concrete barrier wall in the median of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway between Hillsborough River and Himes Avenue.
April 19, 2021: After three years of construction, the Selmon Extension opened on April 19, 2021.
February 1, 2022: Gregory Slater is chosen as the new CEO/Executive Director of THEA. Slater previously served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT.)
Awardsedit
2022
ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Grand Conceptor Award[2]
National Recognition Award at the ACEC 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards[2]
^"Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Triumphs with Selmon Extension Award Wins – Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority". Tampa-xway.com. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
^"ASBI -- ASBI Bridge Award of Excellence Winners Announced". Asbi-assoc.org. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
^"TEAMFL Recognizes Sue Chrzan, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) Director of Public Affairs, with Bob Hartnett Leadership Award – Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority". Tampa-xway.com. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
^"Best Dog Park". Cltampa.com. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
^"Communication Planning, Outreach and Execution for the Selmon West Extension Project". IBTTA | International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association. 2019-07-09. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
^"🏆︎ ITS America's Annual Awards 🏆︎". ITS America. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
^"Congratulations to the Planning Commission's 2018 Award winners!". Planhillsborough.org. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
tampa, hillsborough, expressway, authority, this, article, includes, list, general, references, lacks, sufficient, corresponding, inline, citations, please, help, improve, this, article, introducing, more, precise, citations, july, 2022, learn, when, remove, t. This article includes a list of general references but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations July 2022 Learn how and when to remove this message The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority THEA owns operates and maintains the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in Tampa The Selmon Expressway is a tolled highway The Reversible Express Lanes REL a highway within a highway runs in the middle on the eastern side of the highway with two non tolled feeder roads Brandon Parkway in Brandon and Meridian Avenue in Tampa providing the entrance and exit to the REL Additionally THEA owns and operates the Selmon Greenway a multipurpose recreational pathway running beneath and alongside the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway THEA was established by statute in 1963 pursuant to Fla Stat 348 0001 et seq THEA was established as a way to bring roadway infrastructure projects online sooner than with conventional department of transportation funding with the first roadway opening in 1973 THEA originally planned the neighboring Veteran s Expressway however Florida s Turnpike Enterprise actually built the project The state legislature has attempted to shut down THEA on numerous occasions during its history and transfer ownership to the Florida s Turnpike Enterprise The most recent attempt occurred in March 2011 when the legislature attempted to pass a bill that would eliminate THEA the Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority and Mid Bay Bridge Authority ostensibly to save the state money The plan was later abandoned when the state s budget was written 3 Contents 1 Timeline 2 Awards 3 References 4 External linksTimeline editSince its establishment THEA has been responsible for development of numerous roadway projects in Hillsborough County 1970s 1980s THEA designed and built the original South Crosstown Expressway in 1974 5 miles in length and extended it in 1979 and 1985 By 1986 the Crosstown Expressway totaled 15 miles in length and connected South Tampa to Downtown Tampa and east to Interstate 75 1980s During the early 1980s THEA planned designed and began purchasing right of way for construction of the Veterans Expressway project The project was eventually constructed and is now operated by the Florida s Turnpike Enterprise July 17 1985 Paul Raymond Speer chosen as the Executive Director February 1 1996 Patrick J McCue chosen as the Executive Director 1996 THEA began planning the Brandon feeder roads which eventually became the Brandon Parkway a 3 5 mile system of non tolled feeder and circulation roads in eastern Hillsborough County Construction of this project was completed in 2004 In addition to providing much needed capacity and access the roadway also features a heavily landscaped park like setting with urban architecture and a recreational trail 1998 2006 THEA began planning the Reversible Express Lanes project a ten mile long set of reversible lanes from Brandon to downtown Tampa most of which is constructed on a concrete segmental bridge in the Expressway median Designed to save the expressway corridor for future transportation needs the bridge was completed in 2006 and is now in operation The project ran one year behind schedule because of an incident related to a foundation design flaw that resulted in the collapse of a bridge section during construction The Authority settled a lawsuit with URS Corporation for 65 million for design and construction management issues related to the incident 1999 The Crosstown Expressway is renamed the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway 2000 THEA along with FDOT and Florida s Turnpike began planning for what is now known as the I 4 Selmon Expressway Connector an innovative elevated route that would safely channel truck cargo traffic from I 4 to the Port of Tampa Construction of the Connector has begun and was completed in 2014 1 2005 2007 In cooperation with the City of Tampa THEA advertised for private concessionaires to construct the East West Road a City project from New Tampa to I 275 The East West Road is actually the remnants of the failed Lutz Expressway which was originally part of the Northwest Hillsborough Expressway In 2007 this project was deemed too costly to proceed March 2006 THEA opens the Meridian Gateway project into the Channel District of Downtown Tampa This 50 Million construction of a new boulevard into the City that includes unique urban architecture street and pedestrian lighting and landscaping has become a catalyst for more than 1 Billion in new investment in the downtown urban core May 2006 THEA restarted efforts on the beltway system to provide a much needed bypass of downtown Tampa for many trips that are needlessly forced through the downtown area by the current roadway system The beltway would also provide service to the extremely large suburban areas that already exist on the periphery of the city as well as the 400 000 of new population that is already being planned for the next twenty years in Hillsborough County In 2007 this project was tabled July 2006 August 2006 The Reversible Express Lanes opened to traffic November 1 2006 The Florida Turnpike Enterprise in cooperation with THEA began a new toll program called Pay by Plate The program is designed to allow non transponder customers to use the Reversible Express Lanes without having to purchase a SunPass The program uses a network of high resolution cameras along the expressway to create snapshots of a license plate Commuters who sign up for the pre paid program have the toll deducted from their account This program is not currently being offered by the Expressway November 13 2006 THEA interim director Ralph Mervine resigns amid harsh controversy July 10 2007 Joseph C Waggoner Jr is chosen as the new executive director of THEA Waggoner was previously the Maryland Transportation Authority s planning and development chief July 28 2008 THEA unveils a brand new logo for the Selmon Expressway which is slated to replace all existing logos along the thoroughfare November 2009 Work begins on the I 4 Selmon Connector highway between the Selmon Expressway and I 4 Spring 2010 THEA announced that it would end staffed toll collection on the Selmon Expressway and transition to an open road tolling system on the entire throughfare Customers drive on the expressway and pass under gantries that hold the tolling equipment If a customer does not have a SunPass transponder THEA bundles the tolls and send the customer a monthly bill January 2014 The I 4 Selmon Connector between the Selmon Expressway and I 4 opened January 3 2014 to traffic May 2015 The Selmon Greenway opened The Selmon Greenway is a pedestrian friendly urban green path that runs through downtown Tampa The Greenway connects several popular neighborhoods of Tampa including Ybor City Channelside and Water Street with the Riverwalk September 2015 THEA received award from U S Department of Transportation to begin working with them as a Connected Vehicle CV Pilot site May 2017 Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park opened This is THEA s first Selmon Greenway Pocket Park and it is located at 626 N Raymond Avenue underneath the Selmon Expressway behind the Bell Channelside Apartments December 2017 Selmon Extension groundbreaking The extension is a 1 9 mile toll lane located in the median of Gandy Boulevard which gives a choice for local residents and regional travelers use Gandy Boulevard for local destinations or use the Selmon Extension for a direct connection to the Selmon Expressway or the Gandy Bridge 2018 Shop Gandy business support campaign launched to help businesses along the Gandy Boulevard corridor before during and after the construction of the Selmon Extension October 2019 Inducted into the ITS World Congress Hall of Fame The Awards recognize individuals industries and local governments striving to set the bar higher and enhance the end user experience Local solutions often have broader applications ensuring international transport safety and technology improvements enhancing livability in cities and communities May 2019 In cooperation with the Society of Automotive Engineers SAE International THEA successfully conducted the first ever publicly accessible autonomous vehicle demonstration rides in Tampa Florida 2020 South Selmon Safety Project completed The South Selmon Safety Project enhances driver safety by constructing a concrete barrier wall in the median of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway between Hillsborough River and Himes Avenue April 19 2021 After three years of construction the Selmon Extension opened on April 19 2021 February 1 2022 Gregory Slater is chosen as the new CEO Executive Director of THEA Slater previously served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation MDOT Awards edit2022 ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Grand Conceptor Award 2 National Recognition Award at the ACEC 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards 2 Places 5th in the Roads amp Bridges in America 3 TBRPC Future of the Region Award in Transportation amp Mobility 4 2021 CMAA Florida Project Achievement Award in Transportation 5 IBTTA Toll Excellence Award in Operations Engineering amp Maintenance 6 SLAG Cement in Sustainable Concrete Project of the Year Hillsborough County Planning Commission Planning amp Design Award 7 FTBA Best in Construction Expressway Authority Project of the Year 8 GTSITE Project Project of the Year 9 ASBI Bridge Award of Excellence 10 TEAMFL Inaugural Bob Hartnett Leadership Award 11 2020 Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Best Dog Park 12 2019 IBTTA Marketing amp Communications Award 13 THEA CV Pilot is inducted into the ITS World Congress Hall of Fame 14 2018 Hillsborough County Planning Commission Award of Merit 15 IBTTA Toll Excellence Awards Certificate of Merit 16 TBRPC Future of the Region Awards Certificate of Regional Excellence 16 Tampa Downtown Partnership Urban Excellence Award 17 2017 Hillsborough County Planning Commission Planning amp Design Award 18 Tampa Downtown Partnership Public Sector Project Award 19 2016 Hillsborough County Planning Commission Planning amp Design Award 20 2015 Tampa Downtown Partnership Recognition of Excellence 21 2014 U S Department of Energy Clean Cities Tampa Bay Recognition 16 2013 Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Certificate of Commendation 16 2012 U S Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration amp Roadway Safety Foundation National Roadway Safety Award 16 2011 Florida Public Relations Association Award of Distinction 22 2007 American Council of Engineering Companies Engineering Excellence Award 23 American Segmental Bridge Institute Award of Excellence 24 IBTTA Toll Excellence Operational Award 25 IBTTA President s Top Project Award 26 References edit Runners christen I 4 Selmon Expressway Connector before Friday s opening Tampabay com a b Amanda Hudson Engineering Excellence Awards ACEC Florida Retrieved 2022 07 27 StackPath Roadsbridges com Retrieved 2022 07 27 Hurley Missy TBRPC names nine honorees for the 2022 Future of the Region Awards TBRPC Retrieved 2022 07 27 CMAA Awards Banquet Centre Club Tampa December 2 2021 happeningnext com Retrieved 2022 07 27 Toll Excellence Awards IBTTA International Bridge Tunnel and Turnpike Association 2013 07 12 Retrieved 2022 07 27 SCA ANNOUNCES 2021 SLAG CEMENT IN SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE AWARDS WINNERS Slag Cement Association Retrieved 2022 07 27 1 dead link Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Triumphs with Selmon Extension Award Wins Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Tampa xway com Retrieved 2022 07 27 ASBI ASBI Bridge Award of Excellence Winners Announced Asbi assoc org Retrieved 2022 07 27 TEAMFL Recognizes Sue Chrzan Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority THEA Director of Public Affairs with Bob Hartnett Leadership Award Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Tampa xway com Retrieved 2022 07 27 Best Dog Park Cltampa com Retrieved 2022 07 27 Communication Planning Outreach and Execution for the Selmon West Extension Project IBTTA International Bridge Tunnel and Turnpike Association 2019 07 09 Retrieved 2022 07 27 ITS America s Annual Awards ITS America Retrieved 2022 07 27 Congratulations to the Planning Commission s 2018 Award winners Planhillsborough org Retrieved 2022 07 27 a b c d e THEA Awards Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Tampa xway com Retrieved 2022 07 27 Urban Excellence Awards 2018 Tampa Downtown Partnership Retrieved 2022 07 27 Planning Commission announces 35th Annual Planning amp Design Award Winners Myemail constantcontact com Retrieved 2022 07 27 Downtown Tampa s Urban Excellence Awards A Night of Legacy and Honor News Tampa Downtown Partnership Retrieved 2022 07 27 Special Celebration of Planning edition Plan Hillsborough Planhillsborough org Retrieved 2022 07 27 2015 Urban Exellence Awards Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Tampa xway com Retrieved 2022 07 27 Perrin Taylor 2012 04 20 FPRA Image Award Winners Announced FPRA Capital Chapter Retrieved 2022 07 27 2007 Engineering Excellence Award Winners acecsc org Retrieved 2022 07 27 2 dead link IBTTA Annual Report 2007 PDF Ibtta org Retrieved 2022 07 29 Crosstown Expressway Authority IBTTA International Bridge Tunnel and Turnpike Association 2013 07 15 Retrieved 2022 07 27 Expressway director resigns WTVT November 9 2006 Questions about website cause public official to resign WTSP November 9 2006 Highway Cost Leaps By the Millions St Petersburg Times March 30 2005 Toll s Affluence Puts Board On Course Tampa Tribune May 23 2004 A New Way To Roll West Tampa Tribune July 18 2006 Beltway Around Tampa Proposed Tampa Tribune July 27 2006 Road Would Bypass Congestion Tampa Tribune July 28 2006 Expressway Board Picks Director Tampa Tribune July 11 2007 THCEA unveils new logo THCEA website 7 28 2008 Retrieved 4 18 2009 4 External links editTampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority amp oldid 1209587027, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
