FHWA 53-13
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660

Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Nadeau Joins in Ribbon Cutting for I-4 Connector

Project will give freight trucks direct access to port away from local traffic

TAMPA, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Greg Nadeau joined Florida state and local officials for the ribbon-cutting of the I-4/Lee Roy Selmon Expressway Connector, which provides direct truck access to the Port of Tampa and improves safety and congestion by significantly reducing truck traffic on local streets. The project used $222 million in federal-aid funding, including $105 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, toward the total project cost of $421 million. U.S. Representative Kathy Castor also participated in the event.

The new Connector is a new north-south toll road that will link two major east-west corridors, providing a vital link that will substantially improve the movement of people and goods in the region.

"President Obama called on us to invest in infrastructure to create jobs and strengthen the economy," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "This new Connector will help improve commerce and save money for America’s businesses by moving truck traffic more quickly to and from the Port of Tampa."

The I-4/Selmon Expressway Connector project consists of a series of new north-south toll ramps to and from I-4, the Selmon Expressway and 20th Street. They will connect I-4 with the Selmon Expressway west of 31st Street in Tampa and provide truck ramps connecting the Port of Tampa area with I-4.

"The Connector will benefit commuters and others who travel through Tampa by providing easy access between the Selmon Expressway and I-4," said Deputy Administrator Nadeau. "With less truck traffic in the community, both residents and commercial drivers will get where they’re going more efficiently."

The Connector will provide a truck-only direct access route to the Port of Tampa, removing truck traffic from downtown Ybor City. In addition, the Connector provides an evacuation route for area residents in the case of a hurricane, as well as an alternative route for commuters traveling into downtown Tampa.

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