A major transportation project under consideration could significantly improve connectivity between Tampa and the rapidly growing communities of southern Hillsborough County.

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is advancing its study of a potential extension of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway along the U.S. 301 corridor, responding to continued population growth and increasing congestion in Riverview and surrounding communities. The concept would connect the existing Selmon Expressway with the Big Bend Road area, creating roughly 10 miles of additional toll-road capacity.

THEA is studying the possibility of constructing elevated toll lanes within the U.S. 301 corridor, similar in concept to the elevated Selmon Extension above Gandy Boulevard. The agency says the study will evaluate alternatives designed to relieve congestion along U.S. 301, I-75 and surrounding arterial roads.

The project remains in the planning and environmental-study process, meaning a final design, construction schedule and cost have not yet been established. THEA’s current planning documents identify congestion relief, improved mobility, safety, evacuation capacity and access to employment as potential benefits that will be evaluated.

What It Could Mean for Commercial Real Estate

Southern Hillsborough County has experienced substantial residential and commercial growth, particularly around Riverview, Gibsonton, Big Bend Road and U.S. 301. Transportation infrastructure has increasingly become a critical consideration as development pushes farther south and east.

A future Selmon extension could materially change accessibility within this part of the Tampa Bay market. For commercial real estate, improved regional connectivity can influence development patterns surrounding major interchanges and transportation corridors, particularly for retail, restaurants, medical uses, employment centers, multifamily development and other traffic-driven uses.

The project could also strengthen connections between southern Hillsborough County and major employment and activity centers in Downtown Tampa, the Westshore area and South Tampa.

Importantly, the proposal is still being studied. THEA says the PD&E process must evaluate environmental, community, economic and physical impacts before construction plans can be developed.

Infrastructure Following Tampa Bay’s Growth

The proposed extension is part of a broader period of investment in Tampa Bay’s transportation network. THEA is already moving forward with the $362 million South Selmon Capacity Project, which will expand approximately 4.5 miles of the existing Selmon Expressway to six lanes. That project is funded through THEA toll revenues.

Together, these projects illustrate the infrastructure challenges accompanying Tampa Bay’s continued expansion.

For developers, investors and property owners, transportation projects of this scale are worth following closely. New infrastructure can alter traffic patterns, accessibility and development opportunities well before construction is complete—making the U.S. 301 and Big Bend Road corridors increasingly important areas to watch in the years ahead.