The Reversible Express Lanes (REL) of the Selmon Expressway will be closed 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The closure is required for testing of the Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot Program.
The REL will be open during the morning and evening rush hours.
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is testing its own “connected vehicles” on the REL. Test data will determine if the pilot program is ready to launch publicly.
The program uses vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to warn drivers of accidents, wrong-way drivers and other safety risks. It also aims to prevent backups by coordinating crosswalks and stoplights with traffic flow.
Tampa is one of just three sites deploying the technology as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program. The other two sites are located in New York City and the Interstate 80 corridor in the state of Wyoming.
The THEA is the only one that involves local residents driving their own cars.
THEA is equipping approximately 1,600 privately-owned automobiles with connected vehicle technology as part of the Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot. Volunteers’ automobiles will be able to communicate with downtown traffic and pedestrian signals to enhance safety, improve traffic flow and even reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. As an incentive, participating drivers will receive a 30 percent toll rebate on the REL, up to a maximum of $550.
There are still slots available for area residents who are interested in participating. Visit the program website for more information.
