By Matt Wiley
If you could, would you pay a little extra to avoid snarled interstate traffic on the way to work? The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hopes so, as it has announced a concept that could add express toll lanes to several of the Tampa Bay area’s most congested interstates. One of those express lanes could begin and end right here in New Tampa and a meeting is being held tonight to gather public comments.
According to a press release from FDOT dated Jan. 16, a public workshop will be held in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) tonight at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre (4121 N. 50th St.) to gather input from the public about the proposed tolled express lane project, entitled “Tampa Bay Express.”
The project’s website explains that, although FDOT still is in the process of developing a Master Plan for the project,
One or two toll lanes are proposed in either direction for I-75 from south of U.S. 301 (think the Fletcher Ave. exit in Temple Terrace) to north of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. interchange in New Tampa. Another express lane is proposed for along I-275 from north of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. to north of Bearss Ave.
FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson says that this project is still in its early stages and the agency is in the process of gathering input to see if the concept is something that Tampa Bay drivers will accept and use.
“Right now, we just want to get information (about the concept) out to the public,” Carson explains. “These lanes will be good for people that are running late and we want to be able to give people that option. What we’re trying to find out now is if people would use (the lanes).”
A video on the project’s website explains that the lanes will be well-marked, easy to enter and exit and that tolls will automatically be charged using the SunPass system. Toll prices fluctuate throughout the day, based on demand, similar to the tolling that currently takes place on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway that connects downtown Tampa and Brandon. Toll revenue would then be used to pay for the operation and maintenance of the lanes.
“We do not have funding (for the project) at this point,” Carson explains. “Due to the congestion in the Tampa Bay area, we are studying a traffic management concept that has helped cities across the nation improve traffic flow.”
Because funding is not yet available and the Master Plan has not been completed, a timeframe for this project has not been proposed, but Carson says that the project is something years down the road and it could take up to a decade to complete the necessary traffic studies and obtain funding.
“We’re just introducing the idea and seeing what people think,” Carson says.
Express lanes currently are used across the U.S. in cities including Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego. Express lanes also currently are used along I-95 in Miami.
Additional meetings about this possible future project will be held, but those dates have not yet been set. Stay with the New Tampa Neighborhood News for updates.
For more information, please visit TampaBayExpress.com.
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