Question
You all really, really need to install noise barrier walls much earlier. The neighborhood noise is going to continue to grow, and that will eventually lead to political noise. This will not go away. But, good presentation tonight, and we do appreciate your efforts to communicate with us.
Answer
Thank you for your comment and interest in the study. Based on current available funding, project construction is anticipated to start in 2023. More information about the construction timeline, construction phasing, and installation of the noise barrier walls will be made available as the study progresses. Additional information will also be presented during the study’s Public Hearing currently scheduled for early 2021. To review the latest study reports and study information, please visit www.selmonstudies.com.
Question
It is imperative that the noise walls be built. With the I-4 connection, the Gandy connection and the proposed widening, the Selmon will essentially be a by-pass for I-275. Traffic counts will explode. Property values around the highway will drop and the homes will be converted into rental housing. The Historic District may be compromised. Look at what I-275 did to the neighborhoods north of downtown Tampa in the 1970s.
Answer
Thank you for your comment and interest in the study. A noise analysis was conducted as part of the study following federal and state guidelines. Based on the analysis, few locations along the alternatives under consideration (Alternative 2 and 6) met the federal and state criteria for noise walls. However, if Alternative 6 is selected to move forward, the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority is committed to building walls the entire length of the project on both sides of the roadway. Traffic, historic areas, and a wide-range of other social, cultural, natural, and physical resources are also being evaluated as part of the study. To review the latest study information and reports including the Noise Study Report, please visit www.selmonstudies.com.
Question
Do we really think putting an 8-lane Highway butted up next to South Tampa residential neighborhoods is seriously a good idea? The noise of the existing 4-lane expressway is already terrible! I encourage anyone involved in this project to come out and listen to the countless 18-wheelers and dump trucks barreling up the ramp on the expressway in the morning and afternoon. Are there no other serious alternatives being considered? What about the homes that can reach out and nearly touch the expressway now? Adding another lane outside of the current footprint will destroy their property values even more and reduce our quality of life. Please consider your South Tampa residents before embarking on this terrible idea. I look forward to the public forum.
Answer
Thank you for your comment and interest in the study. A wide-range of alternatives were considered early on during the study and several were dropped from consideration because they didn’t meet the future traffic needs of the region. All alternatives currently under consideration would be constructed entirely within the existing Selmon Expressway right-of-way. No additional right-of-way is expected at this time. A noise analysis was conducted as part of the study following federal and state guidance. Based on the analysis, few locations along the alternatives under consideration (Alternative 2 and 6) met the federal and state criteria for noise walls. However, if Alternative 6 is selected to move forward, the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority is committed to building walls the entire length of the project on both sides of the roadway. Traffic, noise, and a wide-range of other social, cultural, natural and physical resources are also being evaluated as part of the study. To review the latest study information and reports including the Noise Study Report, please visit www.selmonstudies.com.