An elevated Tampa toll road with 23 spans, a tangle of flyovers and unexpected foundation issues is challenging the project team, while it is also revealing the limitations of contractor-obtained financing. The 65%-complete job, currently estimated at $412 million, instead of the original $389 million, is now expected to finish up next fall, or about six months later than originally planned.
Designed to boost the Port of Tampa, the 12-lane Tampa Interstate 4/Selmon Expressway Connector involves constructing a 1.1-mile north-south toll road to link the east-west I-4 and the expressway. The project is in part a response to the expansion of the Panama Canal, which port officials say will deliver "significant new trade opportunities" to Tampa.