West Riverwalk Update: University of Tampa Section Nears Completion
University of Tampa students are just a few months away from having a world-class waterfront amenity right in their backyard.
The nearly 2,000-foot section of the West Riverwalk that runs alongside the campus is currently under construction by The Haskell Company and is expected to open by the end of the year, weather permitting.
The new 12-foot-wide multi-use trail, stretching from Plant Park to Cass Street, was designed to blend seamlessly with the university's iconic architecture. Rows of decorative brick bands along both sides of the trail mirror the look of UT's historic buildings and the existing brick in Plant Park, while new light poles were selected to complement the campus' existing fixtures. A small section of the original pathway, which includes stamped concrete dating back to the early 1900s, was also preserved and incorporated into the new design.
To further enhance the experience, around 65 new palm trees are being planted, along with at least five hammock stations, creating a scenic place to relax between classes, study outdoors, meet up with friends, or simply enjoy the view after a long day.
NOTE: While we encourage students and staff to watch the construction take place, we do ask that everyone please out of the active work zone area.
Beyond this section of the project, construction is underway across five of the six segments of the West River BUILD project. Improvements include roadway and sidewalk upgrades, living shoreline installations, new crosswalks, ADA enhancements, and much more.
In total, the West River BUILD project includes roughly three miles of roadway improvements and two miles of new West Riverwalk.
Once complete, it will serve as both a destination and a transportation connector, giving residents and visitors a safer, car-free way to move around and connect with the riverfront.
The project is also expected to fuel continued economic growth in West Tampa, a community with considerable momentum driven by new businesses, renovated parks, affordable housing, and ongoing investment.
The nearly $60 million project is supported by a $24 million federal BUILD grant, along with a $10 million contribution from the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The City of Tampa is investing roughly $7.5 million from the Community Investment Tax (CIT) and approximately $16.8 million through future non-ad valorem bonds. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Kathy Castor also announced an additional $250,000 in federal funding for future minor enhancements to the project.
Construction of the entire project is expected to be completed in 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