The City of Tampa is taking the next step in the West River District BUILD Grant project. This project for expanding the Tampa Riverwalk and connect it to more neighborhoods west of the Hillsborough River.
The additional trail will connect these neighborhoods:
- West Tampa
- Tampa Heights
- Bayshore Boulevard
- Hyde Park
- Riverside Heights
- North Franklin Street
- Bowman Heights.
The trail will go from North Bayshore Boulevard, near the Platt Street bridge. It will also have some over-water segments and living shorelines.
The project will also feature better sidewalks, bike lanes, and enhanced crossing features at major roadways. This will help expand safer connections in neighborhoods that make up the West River area. Several schools are on the path, so this project will allow kids to walk to school more safely.
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“This project is about more than just following the river. It’s about connecting our neighborhoods and making them safer,” Mayor Jane Castor said. “We are thrilled to be able to transform the west side of the river and fill in the gaps. This project will make it safer and more fun for anyone who wants to come to downtown and experience the center of our city, the Hillsborough River.”
Drone footage of the area where the West River area will see the Riverwalk expanded. This area covers Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park to I-275.
Funding the Riverwalk’s future
In the Fall of 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved a $24 million grant to partially fund this project. Representative Kathy Castor secured the funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program.
“The $24M BUILD grant will improve neighborhoods, mobility, and connectivity through 12 miles of multi-modal paths and street improvements,” Representative Kathy Castor said. “The previous federal funding of $10M for the Tampa Riverwalk has been instrumental in the redevelopment of the downtown and waterfront.”
This project is part of Mayor Jane Castor and the City’s commitment to Vision Zero. This is an international strategy to get to zero deaths and life-changing injuries on Tampa’s roadways by improving safety in areas with high numbers of pedestrian and vehicle crashes.
The city is currently searching for a design-build team or firm to design and construct this approximately 5-mile-long project. Most of the project will be completed by December 31, 2026.