Tampa Bay Area Beltway

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History

The Tampa Bay Area Beltway was first proposed by the THCEA in the mid 1990s with some planning done during that time. However, plans were halted in 2004 when a span for reversible lanes being constructed for the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway collapsed. In Summer 2006, attention shifted back to the beltway plan and the THCEA began it's efforts to lobby the local governments to support the plan.

Current Status

Currently, plans for the beltway are on hold following the veto of a bill that would have provided startup money for a regional transportation authority. Prior to this the THCEA was presenting the beltway plan to the affected counties and municipalities. In August 2006, the Hillsborough County Commission voted to support the beltway study. Pinellas, Pasco, and Manatee counties would be next in line to view the plans. Construction of the beltway's first phase would have occurred as early as 2010/2011 but there is currently no word if and when planning will resume. As of late 2007, the THCEA announced that it will no longer seek to build the highway [http://www.sptimes.com/2007/09/19/Hillsborough/Beltway_plan_on_table.shtml] .

Proposed Routing

According to [http://www.baynews9.com/images/news/2006/8/15/belt2.jpgthis map] , several routes are being considered at this time. The southern terminus may be at or just north of the I-75/I-275 Junction in northern Manatee County, with the northwestern terminus at U.S. Route 19 in southern Pasco County. A northern loop may branch off the main beltway near Zephyrhills and re-enter the beltway just east of Odessa. Finally, a northwestern spur near the Suncoast Parkway would connect to U.S. Route 19 Alternate in northern Pinellas County.

Criticism

Some criticism against the beltway has been voiced recently. Most of it comes from some bay area residents who argue that the beltway would only spark uncontrolled urban growth in the most rural of areas in Pasco, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties. Tampa mayor, Pam Iorio recently voiced her opposition to the beltway saying that it doesn't fit in with her future transportation vision, which is to utilize light rail and express bus systems throughout Hillsborough County.

References

* [http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBP3A4J4QE.html Beltway Around Tampa Proposed] - Tampa Tribune: July 27, 2006.
* [http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBNUJY06QE.html Road Would Bypass Congestion] - Tampa Tribune: July 28, 2006.
* [http://www.tampa-xway.com/news_releases/08_03_06_news.pdf Hillsborough Commissioners agree to help with beltway study] WTSP: August 3, 2006. Adobe Reader 7 or higher is required.
* [http://www.baynews9.com/content/7/2006/9/14/182739.html?title=Rough%20ride%20ahead%20for%20beltway? Rough ride ahead for beltway?] Bay News 9 - September 14, 2006

External links

* [http://www.tampa-xway.com Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority]