THEA Celebrates Earth Day

April 22nd is Earth Day!

While automobile driving obviously has an impact on the environmental impact, one of the ways THEA is committed reducing carbon emissions and thus reduces air pollution. By leading Florida by installing all electronic tolling and increasing green spaces, like the Selmon Greenway, THEA makes our impact on the planet a company-wide priority.

The Selmon Greenway is a 1.7 mile, 15-foot-wide trail running mostly beneath the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway giving it shade from the heat and shelter from the summer rains. The Greenway provides a critical link in Tampa’s downtown urban development and is open to anyone who wants to enjoy fresh air, healthy exercise, an alternative work commute to downtown. The Greenway’s bicycle and pedestrian path link Ybor City, Channelside, and the Downtown District to the Riverwalk, which encourages residents and tourists to walk and bike to their destinations.

In November 2015, the THEA Board approved $2.5 Million to enhance the Selmon Greenway with more signage, increased safety abilities, more green space, and outdoor lighting. We are also adding beautiful “pocket parks” all along the Selmon Greenway, so stay tuned for more news about that later on this year!

For commuters who need to drive to reach their destinations, THEA’s Reversible Express Lanes (REL) is the first in the world to use all-electronic tolling system (AET) and reversible lanes. The REL was the first facility in Florida to use AET.

According to an Economic Impact Report released by USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway has demonstrated positive environmental impacts. Using the expressway rather than a roadway with frequent stops reduces annual carbon dioxide emissions by 58,000 tons and saves $16.2 million in fuel and vehicle operating costs each year.

As we continue to offer traffic and transportation solutions to Tampa Bay, THEA will always look to innovative and forward thinking ways to benefit the community.