DOT: I-4 Connector project will generate 14,000 jobs

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

The $628.3 million project for a multi-lane, elevated segment of about a mile in length is scheduled to begin in early 2010 and be completed by late 2014, District Seven secretary Donald Skelton said.

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 on 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.

But given the availability of local labor during the recessionary downturn, Skelton expects most hires will 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 the Port of Tampa and I-4, state officials said.

The Connector project will be finished about the same time 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 Selmon 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 to be operated by Florida's Turnpike System 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.

The DOT 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.