Construction on Two Segments of the Green ARTery Begins
Imagine a seamless, interconnected trail around central Tampa where cyclists cruise under shaded tree canopies, joggers find new scenic routes, and families stroll safely from one scenic gem to the next. That vision is becoming a reality, with the start of construction of the first two segments of Tampa's Green ARTery.
The Green ARTery is a planned, 22-mile interconnected pedestrian and bicycle network around central Tampa linking neighborhoods, parks, schools, and other popular attractions. The first two segments are currently under construction in the Old Seminole Heights and Lowry Park Central neighborhoods and are surrounded by a dozen park facilities. Both projects feature measures to slow traffic and increase pedestrian and bicycle safety - key components of the Tampa MOVES Plan and the Vision Zero goal to eliminate deadly crashes.
Residents will be pleased to see upgrades like nearly 4,000 feet of new and widened sidewalks, fresh paving, lower speed limits, solar-powered flashing crosswalk beacons, improved roadway markings, signage, and more.
The segment in Old Seminole Heights stretches 1.4 miles and includes Hamilton Heath Drive, E. Park Circle, and Park Drive from N. Nebraska Avenue to 22nd Street Park. The segment in Lowry Park Central stretches 1.1 miles and includes W. Kirby Street, N. River Shore Dr, and N. Florida Avenue between North Boulevard and E. Bird Street.
The concept of the Green ARTery originated in 2010 as a neighborhood-based effort involving more than 20 neighborhood groups. The goal is to make the city more walkable and bikeable while safely connecting communities to Tampa's treasured green spaces.
The combined cost of the first two segments is approximately $1.7 million, with more than half of the funding provided by FDOT grants. The remainder comes from multimodal impact fees collected from new developments that are invested into area transportation improvements.
Construction on both segments is scheduled to wrap up by mid-August. The entire loop is estimated to be completed within five years.