TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Plans are in the works to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Tampa.
A project approved by the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority includes the demolition of the exit ramp from the Selmon Expressway to Channelside Drive.
“When there’s a game day this ramp gets shut down, the eastbound expressway goes down to about 7 miles per hour and then even when you get off on Willow Avenue and get onto Platt Street, that drops down to about 3 miles per hour until game day clears,” describes Greg Slater, CEO of the THEA.
According to Slater, there are three separate parts to the project: the demolition of the ramp at exit 6B, construction of a new exit near the parking garage on Whiting Street, and the extension of Whiting Street to Meridian Avenue.
“What that’s going to do is solve the problem of people getting off on the Williow Street exit and then backing up the bridge through those neighborhoods near Platt Street,” he said.
The $35 million in funding is covered by tolls collected on the Selmon Expressway.
Leaders at THEA say the changes will also improve safety in the area.
“The whole city has really grown up and densified around the expressway. So, we want to make sure that we’re managing our roadway in a way that can be safe for people who are surrounding us,” Slater said.
Construction isn’t expected to begin for another four or five years. Once work is underway it will take between two and three years to complete the project.
