Tampa leaders have greenlit a major plan to extend the Riverwalk across the Hillsborough River, enhancing connections to west-side neighborhoods. The $56 million project will add 5.5 miles of new protected pathways, effectively doubling the current 2.6-mile stretch. According to an initial report by Fox 13 Tampa Bay, a U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD grant covers nearly half of the cost. Additionally, the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has committed $10 million, with the remaining $32 million funded by the city. This initiative aligns with other bike and pedestrian mobility projects in the area.
The West Riverwalk extension project also includes a significant overhaul of roadways along Columbus Drive and Rome Avenue, making crucial enhancements to these vital corridors. Last week, the Tampa City Council, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency board, approved the $10 million contribution from West Tampa’s CRA budget to help advance the plan.
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Filling in the gap on a major multi-use pathway
This approximately five-mile-long project involves completing the gaps in a 12.2-mile multi-use pathway and installing enhanced, safe crossing features at major roadways. The expansion will improve several adjacent city streets by adding better sidewalks, bike facilities, and community safety measures. It will also significantly expand connections, providing safe and accessible mobility options for pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the neighborhoods that make up the West River area.
When fully realized, the project will connect Downtown Tampa to West Tampa, Tampa Heights, Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park, North Hyde Park, Riverside Heights, Bowman Heights, Ridgewood Park, and Ybor City with multimodal paths and Complete Streets.
You can learn more about the project, its history, and the current completion timeline here.
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