Selmon Extension reopens ahead of schedule Thursday

Previous coverage: Take a look inside the Selmon Expressway

For Tampa drivers, be prepared Monday morning to make some adjustments to your commute if that includes the Selmon Expressway. The Selmon Extension – the elevated two-mile stretch over Gandy Boulevard – is temporarily closed for repairs.

TAMPA, Fla. - Drivers through Tampa have been allowed back onto the Selmon Extension after the expressway being closed for five days of inspections and repairs.

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) said earlier Thursday it would be safe to reopen the roadway that evening, but it appears they were able to do so ahead of schedule.

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On Sunday, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority announced the closure of the elevated two-mile stretch connecting the Gandy Bridge to the Expressway after the discovery of loose steel wires.

A routine inspection revealed two horizontal wires came loose from their anchors. The Extension was closed as a precaution.

View of Selmon Expressway after reopening Thursday morning

Engineers said the need repair was minor, and it is safe for traffic to resume. Officials say they plan to reopen the roadway after the morning commute and have it ready for Thursday evening's rush hour.

Crews removed the barriers from the entrances late Thursday morning. THEA said it would alert drivers that the Selmon Extension is back open via message boards.

"THEA would like to express its profound gratitude to the community for its patience. In an abundance of caution, we closed the Selmon Extension to conduct due diligence on what, thankfully, turned out to be a minor issue. We are committed to offering a safer, smarter, and more connected ride to our commuters on both sides of the Bay."

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