Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Wins 2024 Toll Excellence Award for East Selmon Slip Ramps

Tampa, FL. – The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) announced the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) as the 2024 Toll Excellence Award for Toll Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance winner. The accolade recognizes THEA’s achievement in addressing congestion and enhancing traffic flow with the opening of the East Selmon Slip Ramps. Identified through THEA’s extensive PD&E Study, these ramps address the growing transportation demands in Southern Hillsborough County by expanding access to the Reversible Express Lanes (REL), offering a more direct and efficient route for Brandon commuters into Tampa and southward towards MacDill Airforce Base.

“The new ramps not only reduce congestion and optimize traffic distribution for better flow but also improve safety, particularly around the downtown exit at Twiggs Avenue. This project exemplifies THEA’s dedication to addressing the region’s evolving transportation needs through innovative, user-funded solutions that improve the quality of life,” said Greg Slater, Executive Director & CEO of THEA.

The East Selmon Slip Ramps allow westbound drivers to access the REL near the I-75 interchange and exit before reaching the downtown core. This enables them to continue on the local lanes to destinations further west. This strategic enhancement significantly improves service levels for drivers on the lower lanes of the Selmon Expressway by reducing congestion and improving traffic distribution. This project showcases THEA’s commitment to delivering infrastructure solutions that address the community’s transportation needs without requiring taxpayer dollars for funding.  

THEA and the rest of this year’s Toll Excellence Award Winners will be honored during IBTTA’s 92nd Annual Meeting & Exhibition on October 26 – 29, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. To see the complete list of winners, visit https://www.ibtta.org/toll-excellence-awards.