The Hillsborough MPO board is working on plans to spruce up roads in the county—and some have tensions high.

  • Hillsborough leaders discuss controversial road project plan
  • Plan includes Interstate toll lanes
  • Howard Franklin Bridge to also be reconstructed

MPO leaders held a meeting Tuesday night to discuss a plan that includes a controversial project that calls for Interstate toll lanes.

Many residents spoke at the meeting, voicing their concerns.

Right now, leaders said there are only two definite plans—the Howard Franklin Bridge will be reconstructed and express lanes will be built west of downtown Tampa.

“Make the right decision. If you were in business, you would not be replacing the bridge,” one resident said.

“One undeniable truth about this project, is that it will necessarily decrease quality of life for Tampa residents.

The MPO board approved the five year plan with a 12-3 vote, despite opposition from residents.

Leaders said they are a taking a step back on the controversial express lanes that man residents don’t want.

The MPO now has a new program, called Tampa Bay Next.

“I do have the concern that should TBX or TB Next or whatever FDOT decides to call it, I may lose the place that I live, all so that people may have a commute that is a few minutes shorter,” Melinda Mahoney added.

Beth Alden, the Executive Director, said Tampa Bay Next is a process, not a project, and that the process is just beginning.

“They’re going to look at traffic, they’re going to look at health impacts, they’re going to look at air quality, and they’re going to look at impact on local economy--What does it mean for the city of Tampa. They’re also looking at how can they make whatever is built help employ more people, employ local people,” Alden said.

MPO members said more express lanes are still up for discussion, but are willing to look at other solutions and finding ways to fund them.

About a dozen speakers at last night’s meeting were in favor of Tampa Bay Next, and they supported adding toll lanes along I-275, I-75, and I-4.

Tampa Bay Next also includes funding for road maintenance, intersection improvements, county buses, bike paths, and cross walks.