Florida's top transportation official said Friday it's time to hit the "reset" button on the controversial Tampa Bay Express project, known as TBX.
- TBX would remake portions of I-275, I-4, and I-75, add new toll lanes
- Critics say its too expensive, not a long-term solution
- Boxold: 2-3 years before project is "production ready"
Appearing before the Florida Senate Transportation Committee in Tallahassee, Jim Boxold was asked for an update on the project by Senator Darryl Rouson, (D)-St. Petersburg.
Rouson said the public wants improvements made to the roads, but he said "the community must feel like a respected part of what's being done".
Boxold responded by saying essentially that time was on their side in terms of making that happen.
"We have had some challenges with getting that project to a point where the local communities that are affected are pleased with where it is," said Boxold, "and so we have the benefit of some time before we're ready to move forward with that project."
"We probably have 2-3 years before that project is what we call 'production ready,' 'ready to turn dirt," Boxold continued. "And so we're going to sort of hit the reset button, bring in additional staff or different staff to manage that project, and work more intensively with the local communities."
Bay area political leaders and business executives have been vocal supporters of the plan. They said it's critical for continued growth.
TBX would remake portions of I-275, I-4 and I-75 and add new toll lanes.
Critics said it's too expensive, and won't ease traffic congestion in the long run.
"TBX is a quick solution to our traffic problem, but I'm ok with waiting another 10, 20, 50 years for a real solution that isn't going to hurt us in the long run," said Dayna Lazarus.
Boxold said they will take the time necessary to get it right.
"There are a variety of issues we need to work through," he said.
Still other critics said they won't be happy until the entire project is scrapped, and they don't see that happening yet.