The agency sent postcards to residents living near Gandy Boulevard asking which design they preferred and conducted a web survey as well — and with some 76 percent of the vote, "Estuary" won out.
“We received nearly two thousand votes from members of the community participating in the public opinion poll and the overwhelming choice was [Estuary],” said THEA CEO Joe Waggoner in a media release. “While both pier designs were outstanding options, THEA is confident the [Estuary] design will not only enhance the Selmon Extension project but will serve as a new landmark for the Tampa Bay region.”
It's not elaborate or colorful, but the design aims to subtly mimic a river delta or stand of cypress trees, THEA officials say. Given how proximal the roadway will be to the Tampa Bay waterfront, it may be a fitting choice.
Slated to open in 2020, the elevated roadway aims to ease traffic between the Gandy Bridge and the on/off ramps for the Selmon Expressway, a regional tollroad, as well as the southernmost reaches of Dale Mabry.
In separating locally bound traffic from cars and trucks traversing the bay, officials hope to ease the gridlock that tends to pile up during rush hour in the area.
More info on the project here.
This article appears in Oct 19-26, 2017.