With golden shovels in hand and a bold vision for the future, the City of Tampa will break ground on the next chapter of its iconic Riverwalk through a transformative project designed to connect communities, spark economic growth, and breathe new life into neighborhoods that have long awaited their moment to shine.
Officially called the West River BUILD Project, it will include more than five miles of roadway safety improvements and new connections throughout West Tampa, along with about two miles of brand-new Riverwalk on the west side of the Hillsborough River.
The new west Riverwalk will follow the west bank of the river from Platt Street to Rome Avenue, featuring pedestrian bridge underpasses, 1,500 feet of living shorelines, scenic overlooks, and safe link to the existing Riverwalk and Tampa's thriving downtown. Once complete, Tampa will enjoy a 12.2-mile continuous pathway along both sides of the river, extending all the way to Ballast Point Park.
"What begins today as the turning of soil will soon become the turning point for West Tampa," said Mayor Jane Castor. "This isn’t just a path by the water; it’s a bridge to the future — one that will activate the heart of this neighborhood in ways we can only begin to imagine."
Critical safety improvements along Platt, Rome, Columbus and in Ridgewood Park will include 'complete street' enhancements like upgraded lighting, low-stress bicycle lanes, traffic signal modifications, and improved sidewalks and crosswalks. These upgrades reflect the City’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate serious crashes through better roadway design.
This project was made possible thanks to a $24 million federal BUILD grant, and a $10 million contribution from the city's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). When complete, it will offer low-cost transportation connections to Tampa's urban core from more than a dozen neighborhoods including West Tampa, Tampa Heights, North Hyde Park, Ridgewood Park, and Ybor City. It will also serve as the centerpiece of the City's walk-bike network, connecting the East-West Green Spine Cycle track to South Tampa and Seminole Heights. Along the way, it'll link together parks, schools, recreation centers and other services.
"This project is a game-changer for West Tampa," said CRA Board Chair Luis Viera. "For too long, this historic community has waited for the kind of investment that not only honors its past but builds a stronger future. The West Riverwalk will bring real, tangible benefits, from safer streets and better transportation options to economic opportunities that uplift families and local businesses. I'm proud to support a project that connects communities and celebrates the vibrant spirit of West Tampa."
Through these improvements, this project will enhance the quality of life for residents and super-charge long-term economic growth. The existing Riverwalk has become one of the City's crown jewels, and the west riverwalk will too. Construction is expected to create about 500 short-term jobs. Longer term, it is anticipated to expand Tampa’s job market by a minimum of 1,000 direct and indirect jobs annually. Overall, this project has the potential to stimulate more than a billion dollars in new economic development.
This $56.8 million-dollar project has broad support by countless citizens and businesses leaders and has bi-partisan support from elected officials on the local, state, and federal levels.
It is a true investment in Tampa's future.
Tampa's Riverwalk: A Legacy in Motion
This is the inspiring story of Tampa's transformation, from the industrial decline of the Hillsborough River to the revitalization of its waterfront. Through interviews with key leaders like Pam Iorio, Bob Buckhorn, and Jane Castor, this documentary explores the vision, struggles, and triumphs behind the Riverwalk project. Discover how this public space has become a central part of Tampa's identity and a legacy for future generations.