The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) has been awarded a $4 million federal grant aimed at reducing traffic congestion and emissions on the Selmon Expressway.

This grant will fund smart technology designed to detect traffic delays and provide timely notifications to drivers.

THEA CEO Greg Slater stated that the initiative will enhance understanding of traffic patterns on the Selmon Expressway. “It’s really about identifying the causes of delays,” Slater explained. “Is it a temporary issue like a flat tire, or are there specific areas causing friction and traffic backups?”

Over the next year, the Selmon Expressway will implement Smart Eco-Driving Connectivity for Urban Roadway Efficiency (SECURE) V2X, a platform that collects and transmits traffic data between vehicles and infrastructure.

“We’ll have a comprehensive year-long analysis of congestion patterns, identifying what’s happening and when,” Slater said.

The funding, provided by a $4 million Department of Energy grant, aims to reduce emissions by minimizing drive times on this stretch in Hillsborough County.

Once the data is collected, it will be used to alert drivers about road issues via the Selmon’s connected vehicle technology, which is currently being tested. This will enable drivers to receive real-time notifications about expressway conditions.

“If we can use this information to help people make better, smoother decisions, we can maximize the system’s efficiency,” Slater added.

The goal is to eventually lower travel times on the Selmon Expressway by 25%, in line with the grant’s objectives.

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(Image credit: Spectrum Bay News 9)