News Summary
Riverview, Florida is set to address severe traffic congestion through the extension of the Selmon Expressway. This expansion, driven by the area’s growing population, aims to cut travel times significantly and improve road safety. With 95% community support, upcoming phases include federal funding development and open houses for further local input. The area is also seeing a separate road improvement initiative along Gibsonton Drive. Continued infrastructure improvements are vital for enhancing safe and efficient travel in Riverview.
Riverview, Florida is set to undergo significant changes aimed at addressing rising traffic congestion as the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) moves forward with plans to extend the Selmon Expressway. The expansion is a direct response to the growing population in the area, which has led to increased traffic on local roadways.
Traffic congestion has become a pressing issue for residents, with local resident reports indicating that backups can last up to 45 minutes during peak hours, transforming what should be a 10-minute drive into a 30 to 45-minute ordeal. If left unaddressed, studies completed by THEA suggest that travel time from Big Bend Road to the entrance of the Selmon Expressway could increase to an alarming 77 minutes.
To combat this, the proposed construction of express toll lanes is expected to result in a significant reduction in travel time, aiming for 15 minutes or less for the same distance. The newly added lanes are projected not only to ease congestion but also to enhance road safety, a crucial consideration given that there have been over 2,900 crashes along the corridor from 2019 to 2023, leading to 25 fatalities, primarily from rear-end collisions. Experts from THEA highlight that the rising frustration among drivers contributes to unsafe driving behaviors, making immediate action necessary.
Community Support for the Expansion
Feedback from the community shows overwhelming approval for the Selmon Expressway expansion, with a notable 95% support rate from residents in a recent survey collecting over 7,200 responses. Many residents are urging for expedient construction, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements in the area. In response to community concerns about potential noise, alterations to aesthetics, and increased traffic on smaller roads, THEA plans to engage actively with residents over the next few years as the project progresses.
Future Plans and Development Stages
The next phases of the project will involve focusing on development and seeking federal funding, alongside scheduled community open houses in October to gather further local input. As the project moves forward, the extension is expected to accommodate 30% more trips through the corridor and reduce delays at nearly 46% of intersections in the area, further highlighting its necessity in handling the traffic woes of Riverview.
Ongoing Development in Riverview
In addition to the Selmon Expressway expansion, a separate $25 million road improvement initiative along Gibsonton Drive is already underway. This project includes road enhancements that have led to temporary closures and restrictions. Local businesses nearby have reported declines in customer traffic and sales due to accessibility issues caused by ongoing constructions. Many business owners stress the importance of such road improvements but have also expressed the need for better communication regarding construction timelines to minimize disruptions.
The Hillsborough County Commissioners are currently reviewing the plans for the Selmon Expressway extension, with a presentation scheduled to discuss the project further. As the community eagerly awaits these developments, the continued focus on improving roadway infrastructure represents a vital step toward facilitating safe and efficient travel in Riverview.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Progresses on Gas Worx Project in Ybor City
Additional Resources
- WTSP News: Selmon Expressway Extension
- Google Search: Selmon Expressway Riverview
- Fox 13 News: Traffic Relief for Riverview
- Google Scholar: Traffic Congestion Riverview
- WTSP News: Traffic Relief Plans for Riverview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Improvement Infrastructure
- Rebein Law: Hit and Run in Riverview
- Google News: Riverview Construction Traffic
- Fox 13 News: Riverview Businesses Impacted by Construction
- Wikipedia: Riverview, Florida
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
