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Stimulus revives Crosstown project

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: June 16, 2009

TAMPA - The Interstate 4-Selmon Crosstown Expressway connector project on the east edge of Ybor City could create 14,000 jobs and begin three years earlier than expected thanks to federal stimulus program, a Florida Department of Transportation official said Monday.

Work on the $628.3 million, mile-long, multilane elevated segment is scheduled to begin in early 2010 and be completed by late 2014, said Donald Skelton, secretary of FDOT's District Seven.

The launch of the project was expected to be delayed until 2013 because of state revenue shortfalls, but state officials have devised a financing plan that will begin with the use of $105 million in federal stimulus money.

"This is a shovel-ready project, a good use of stimulus funds that will put people to work," Skelton said.

The jobs prediction ranges from direct to indirect jobs, from construction workers to suppliers, Skelton said. A construction contractor will be selected Sept. 16.

The project will include up to $446.2 million in construction work.

"It's not obligated to be a Florida firm, just one that has to be qualified in Florida to build a $446 million project like this," he said.

Given the availability of local labor during the recessionary downturn, Skelton expects most hires will be from the Tampa area.

The project is intended to relieve 21st and 22nd streets in Ybor City of 10,000 trucks a day that travel between Port of Tampa and I-4, state officials said.

The connector will be finished about the same time that the expansion of the Panama Canal is expected to generate additional container cargo traffic through the port.

In addition, it will provide route options for other motorists, including those headed west on I-4, who will find a new way to reach downtown and South Tampa, and those from Brandon on the Crosstown who will have easier access to I-275 and Tampa International Airport.

"It will transform the interstate system," said Scott Collister, director of transportation development for FDOT's District Seven.

Tolls on the road, which will be operated by Florida's Turnpike Enterprise,, will range from 50 cents to $1.25.

Once the connector project is under way, state officials plan to work with Tampa officials to determine changes for 21st and 22nd streets in Ybor City, which could be restricted from truck traffic and narrowed to accommodate other uses.

"We have not heard of opposition to this project," Skelton said.

FDOT officials also said the state is expected to complete work by year's end on the Tampa International Airport interchange project.

Construction on northbound I-275 in downtown should be completed this fall, and work will begin on the southbound portion in 2013 or 2014. That will take about five years to complete.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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