Jacksonville, Florida-based Superior Construction and Cheshire, Connecticut-based Lane Construction will modernize the 4.2-mile-long Westshore Interchange (I-275/SR 60), one of the busiest interchanges in Tampa, Florida. The effort entails multiple phases that have a combined value of $1 billion, according to a Superior press release.
The JV has been named the preferred team in exclusivity for the project. The JV has signed a $10 million contract with the Florida DOT for the planning phase of the project, which is slated to be complete by November 2023. Construction, which will be awarded as a separate contract, is set to begin in spring 2024, according to Florida DOT.
Lane is the U.S. subsidiary of the Italian construction firm Webuild, formerly Salini Impregilo SpA.
The multi-year program aims to rebuild the interchange in order to improve safety and ease traffic flow. The team will fully reconstruct the Westshore Interchange with a modern design and add capacity with general use and express lanes, per Florida DOT. The existing loop ramp from westbound SR 60 to northbound I-275 will be replaced with flyover ramps, among other improvements. It will also include direct express lane connections to Tampa International Airport.
Both companies have experience navigating the unique challenges the project presents, according to Superior, such as the need for transit accommodations, multilevel system interchanges, coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration and accommodating very high traffic volumes in urban locations.
Superior Construction gained national attention for rapidly rebuilding the Sanibel Causeway last fall. The battered bridge, which connects Sanibel Island with the Florida mainland in Punta Rassa, had become a symbol for the destruction Hurricane Ian wrought.
“The collaborative approach to the Sanibel Causeway emergency repairs ensured a timely and successful outcome. We plan to replicate that with Tampa’s Westshore Interchange project to bring this vision to life with minimal disruptions,” said Superior Southeast Division President Kevin McGlinchey in the release.