The City of Tampa is proud to announce the completion of a series of road safety improvements at the intersection of Rome Avenue and Spruce Street, creating a safer school crossing in West Tampa.
The multiple road improvements include road resurfacing, new signage, and fresh pavement markings at crosswalks to heighten pedestrian safety. Additionally, the City of Tampa Mobility Department modified the intersection to a four-way stop.
Due to limited funding, the City of Tampa continuously looks for ways to creatively fund needed safety projects.
The intersection of Rome Avenue and Spruce Street is adjacent to Icon Preparatory School, where school administrators requested new school zone and school crossing signs to improve safety for students after witnessing drivers continually running the stop sign. These safety improvements also benefit the West Tampa community at large, along with other nearby schools in the area, including Just Elementary, Steward Middle Magnet, Dunbar Elementary Magnet, and Blake High School.
“This project is a great example of how the City can use lower-cost measures like paint and signs to quickly enhance mobility and improve safety near Tampa’s local schools," said Brandie Miklus, City of Tampa Infrastructure and Mobility Program Coordinator. "This is one way we can make an impact in weeks, not years, as we work toward more long-term solutions."
“We’re excited to see these changes complete,” said Principal Yuri Higgins of Icon Preparatory School. “We know this will help protect many of the students who walk and bike to school in the West Tampa area.”
The City’s Mobility Department works closely with local, regional, and state partners to secure increased funding to implement quick build projects like these throughout the City.
Embracing Vision Zero is part of Mayor Jane Castor's Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow initiative to help create safe, equitable, and viable transportation options on our roads. This includes protecting the most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.