West Riverwalk Construction At Full Steam
Work is now underway on multiple segments of the West River BUILD Project -- also known as the West Riverwalk -- bringing to life one of the most transformative projects in the City of Tampa in decades.
The project will add nearly two miles of new scenic riverwalk along the west side of the Hillsborough River, along with three miles of major roadway safety improvements on Platt Street, Rome Avenue, and Columbus Avenue. Upgrades will include fresh pavement, protected bicycle lanes, sidewalk enhancements, better lighting, newly planted tree canopies, and much more. All of these will further Tampa's lofty Vision Zero goal of eliminating serious crashes.
Once complete, the project will connect several West Tampa neighborhoods to downtown and create a continuous 12.2-mile urban path through the urban core.
Work Currently Underway
- Constructing the new West Riverwalk segments
- Building more resilient living shorelines along the river
- Constructing the new West Riverwalk trail near Ridgewood Park
- Beginning work on W. Platt Street from Rome Avenue to Willow Avenue. Upgrades will include: new pavement, a separated eastbound cycle track, safer crosswalks with flashing beacons and refuge islands, signage and more.
- Mobilizing on the new pedestrian underpass bridges. Targeting end of April to begin foundation supports.
"As with most major rivers, the Hillsborough River is as central to Tampa now as it was when the city was formed," said Mayor Jane Castor. "But while before it was used mainly for shipping and transport, now it serves as a community gathering spot that radiates life and energy. The Riverwalk made this evolution possible and we cannot wait to complete the missing piece in West Tampa."
Using the success of the existing Riverwalk as a model, the West Riverwalk will become both a destination and a transportation connector, welcoming locals and visitors while making it easier for bicyclists and pedestrians to get from place to place car-free.
It is also expected to fuel continued economic growth in West Tampa, a community in the midst of a renaissance marked by new businesses, housing, and investment.
The project is supported by a $24 million federal BUILD grant and $10 million from the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Kathy Castor also announced $250,000 in additional federal funding for the project.
Construction is expected to wrap up in the Spring of 2027.
For additional details and renderings, visit the project website: http://westriverbuild.com
To view current and future lane / road closures, visit: http://tampa.gov/road-closures