Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway is a key transportation artery in Tampa, Florida, renowned for being one of the state's most advanced and efficient toll roads. Officially designated as State Road 618 (SR 618), this expressway was previously known as the Crosstown Expressway. It spans approximately 17 miles, providing a vital connection between the residential suburbs and the bustling urban core of Tampa. The expressway is named in honor of Lee Roy Selmon, a luminary in both professional football and community development.
History and Development
Originally known as the Crosstown Expressway, the road was renamed to honor Lee Roy Selmon, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player who made significant contributions to the Tampa community. The expressway was constructed to alleviate congestion in the rapidly growing Tampa Bay area, and it has since evolved into a critical infrastructure component for local commuters.
The expressway is operated by the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, which is responsible for its maintenance and management. It is among the first expressways in the United States to implement an all-electronic toll collection system, eliminating the need for toll booths and allowing for seamless travel.
Route and Connections
The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway provides a direct and efficient pathway through Hillsborough County, connecting several key locations. Starting from the South Tampa neighborhood near MacDill Air Force Base, it traverses through Downtown Tampa and extends to the suburban community of Brandon. The expressway also includes the Selmon West Extension, which allows users to travel from the Gandy Bridge to Interstate 75 in Brandon without interruption.
One of the significant features of the expressway is the I-4/Selmon Expressway Connector. This connector is a controlled-access toll road that links the Selmon Expressway with Interstate 4, enhancing connectivity for commuters traveling to and from the eastern parts of the state.
Importance and Impact
The Lee Roy Selmon Expressway plays a critical role in the transportation infrastructure of Tampa, providing an essential link for the movement of people and goods throughout the region. It supports economic growth by facilitating ease of access to downtown Tampa, a major economic hub known for its business districts, entertainment venues, and the Port Tampa Bay.
Additionally, the expressway has been designed with future growth in mind, incorporating advanced technology and infrastructure to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. The use of an all-electronic toll system has set a precedent for modern toll road operations, reflecting a shift towards more efficient and customer-friendly practices.