The Selmon Expressway is getting a $362 million widening from four lanes to six along a 4.5 mile stretch between Gandy Boulevard and downtown Tampa, with construction running through 2030. Starting October 20, 2026, South Tampa Street is closed at East Brorein Street for about two years, and the leftmost lane of Brorein between Morgan Street and Florida Avenue is closed.
If you live in Brandon, Riverview or Valrico and drive the Selmon into downtown, South Tampa or MacDill, plan for slower trips near the convention center for the next few years. The East Selmon widening that runs toward our side of town is scheduled to start in early 2030.
What is the South Selmon Capacity Project?
It is the biggest change to the Selmon in years. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is adding one inside lane in each direction, which takes the road from four lanes to six.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Cost | $362 million, paid for with toll revenue |
| Length | 4.5 miles, from west of Himes Ave to east of Florida Ave |
| Contractor | Archer Western Construction |
| Timeline | Started spring 2026, expected to finish by 2030 |
| Why now | Selmon traffic is up more than 80% in the last decade |
The project also rebuilds bridge decks, adds noise walls along the corridor, and upgrades the South Tampa underpasses with better lighting and sidewalks. (Source: City of Tampa)
The new downtown detour (started October 20, 2026)
South Tampa Street is closed at East Brorein Street for about two years while crews install support pillars. This is the curve under the expressway near the convention center.
- Drivers are routed into a temporary eastbound lane on East Brorein Street to reach Franklin Street.
- The leftmost lane of Brorein between South Morgan Street and South Florida Avenue is closed.
- The Tampa Convention Center garage and upper loading docks stay open.
- Expect detour signs, barricades and lane separators in the area.
If you head to Amalie Arena, the convention center or Channelside for games and events, leave a few extra minutes. (Source: City of Tampa)
What it means for Brandon, Riverview and Valrico commuters
The Selmon is the main toll route from the east side of Hillsborough into downtown Tampa. The construction zone sits west of downtown, so your drive in from Brandon is not where the work is. The slowdowns hit once you pass downtown heading into South Tampa.
- Going downtown only: expect delays near the Brorein Street exit and the convention center.
- Going to South Tampa, Dale Mabry or MacDill: you drive straight through the work zone. Build in extra time through 2030. Military families, see my MacDill relocation guide.
- Going to St. Pete via Gandy: same work zone. Consider I-4 to I-275 and the Howard Frankland on heavy days.
- Working from home or east of I-75: little day-to-day change.
Tip: check THEA updates or a traffic app before you leave, especially for evening events downtown. For real drive times from your area, see my Brandon commute guide, Riverview commute guide and Valrico commute times to Tampa.
Want a shorter drive to work?
Browse homes for sale near the Selmon and I-75 right now:
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What's next: the East Selmon and Brandon Parkway
The bigger news for our side of town comes later. THEA approved a $767.7 million six-year work program in June 2026. It includes:
- East Selmon widening: another lane in each direction, scheduled to start in early 2030.
- Brandon Parkway refresh: fully funded in the same program.
- Whiting Street project: starts fall 2028 and connects the Channel District to the downtown business district.
- US 301 study: looking at a 10 mile stretch of US 301 to support growth in south Hillsborough, including Riverview.
Translation: once the East Selmon work is done, the commute from Brandon into downtown should get faster. (Source: Business Observer)
