The Tampa Multi-Modal Network and Safety Improvements project will span approximately five (5) miles and complete the remaining gaps in what will be a 12.2-mile multi-use pathway along the eastern and western sides of the Hillsborough River. The project will expand connections and provide a variety of safe, accessible mobility options for pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the neighborhoods that make up the West River area.
The project will feature safety crossings at major roadways, improved sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, bike facilities, trails and bridges, living shorelines, traffic-calming measures, and enhanced street lighting, providing connections and improving community safety in the West River area.
The design-build project cost is $56,855,530.
The project is being funded from local and federal sources, including a $24 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and a $10,000,000 Community Redevelopment Award.
The project started in early fall 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.
The project will connect Downtown Tampa with surrounding neighborhoods by completing the gaps at Tony Jannus Park, H.B. Plant Park, the University of Tampa, Tampa Preparatory School, Howard W. Blake High School, Steward Middle School, and Dr. Martin Luther King Recreation Center, the existing Riverwalk and Water Works Park, creating a 12.2-mile multi-use pathway along the western and eastern sides of the Hillsborough River.
The project will consist of a total of six (6) segments including:
- Segment 1: West River’s edge from south of Platt Street Bridge and to north of Brorein Street Bridge
- Segment 2: West River’s edge from Kennedy Boulevard to Rome Avenue at Palmetto Street
- Segment 3: Platt Street from Rome Avenue to Bayshore Boulevard
- Segment 4: Rome Avenue from Platt Street to Kennedy Boulevard, and from W. Cass Street to W. Columbus Drive
- Segment 5: Columbus Drive from Rome Avenue to N. Riverside Drive
- Segment 6: Ridgewood Park from Columbus Drive to W. 7th Avenue
- Enhanced safety and mobility by completion of the 12.2-mile connected, multi-use trail
- Reduced bicycle and pedestrian crashes and fatalities as part of the City’s Vision Zero commitment
- Enhanced connectivity to the Hillsborough River and the City’s Central Business District for all
- Reduced traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions by offering a healthy transportation alternative
- Increased economic growth and development by attracting businesses and residents and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities
- Environmental sustainability and conservation efforts through improving the shoreline habitat and increasing seawall resilience
- The project will improve environmental sustainability through reduced vehicle emissions by promoting trips via walking and cycling.
- Incorporate more shade and understory trees.
- Harden portions of the existing seawall and renew the interface between land and water with living shorelines.
Public meetings will be conducted prior to the start of construction to inform and engage property owners, tenants, businesses, and other interested parties of project plans, schedules, and activities. Prior to the start of construction on each project segment, notification of upcoming construction activities and associated impacts will be provided to those being affected in and around a project segment. Notifications will include flyers, door hangers, mailouts, emails, and/or in-person meetings. Updated project information will also be posted on the project website at www.WestRiverBUILD.com.
Public meetings will be conducted during the design phase, providing members of the community an opportunity to ask questions, provide input and to speak with project representatives about the project.
Construction is anticipated to start in fall of 2025 and estimated for completion in spring of 2027.
The project segments will be constructed at different times; however, there may be occasions where construction activities on two or more segments will overlap.
Temporary street/lane closures, traffic shifts and detours may be required to accommodate construction activities. Impacted areas will be clearly marked using signage, as well as flaggers, as needed, to direct motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists through and around construction zones. Temporary road closures and detour information will be posted on the Alerts page of the project website.
Access to adjacent properties is to be always maintained. Property and business owners, residents and tenants will be informed in advance of construction activities that may impact normal property access.
No interruptions are expected to occur. The contractor will coordinate with the USPS and garbage/recycling providers to avoid and/or minimize service disruptions. Any service interruptions should be immediately reported through the project phone number at 813-438-2627 or by emailing the Public Information Coordinator at info@WestRiverBUILD.com.
Residents can stay up to date on the Tampa Multi-Modal Network and Safety Improvements project by visiting the project’s website at www.WestRiverBUILD.com, subscribing to alerts through the project’s Alerts page on the website, and attending public meetings.
For information about the Tampa Multi-Modal Network and Safety Improvements project, you can call the project phone number at 813-438-2627, or email the Public Information Coordinator at info@WestRiverBUILD.com.