Tampa Bay Area Beltway

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The Tampa Bay Area Beltway is a proposed beltway in Tampa, Florida. The plan is being spearheaded by the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority and if successful, the beltway would relieve overcrowding on Interstate 75, Interstate 275, and parts of Interstate 4.

1 History
2 Current Status
3 Proposed Routing
4 Criticism
5 References
6 External links

[edit] History

The Tampa Bay Area Beltway was first proposed by the THCEA in the mid 1990s with some planning done during that time. However, attention focused towards the reversible lanes bridge along the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway in 2004, following the span's collapse. 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.

[edit] Current Status

Currently, the THCEA is 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. If all the affected counties and municipalities approve the study, and go ahead with the remainder of the planning process, construction of the beltway's first phase could occur as early as 2010/2011.

[edit] Proposed Routing

According to this 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.

[edit] 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.