Selmon Expressway west extension opens today Selmon Expressway west extension opens today and last updated 2021-04-19 07:58:13-04 The Selmon Expressway west extension opens to drivers later today. Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) announced its plan to open the elevated 1.9-mile toll lane Monday, which will provide a seamless connection and a safe transportation option for drivers traveling from Brandon to Pinellas County. Construction of the $230 million project began in late 2018. âThis project has been 25 years in the making, and I am thrilled itâs finally ready to open. THEA challenged our design-build team to come up with an innovative and aesthetically pleasing design that would minimize the negative effects of construction on the businesses along the Gandy corridor,â said THEA Executive Director, Joe Waggoner.