HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A popular stretch of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail in Hillsborough County is closed as crews begin a major, long-term repair to a damaged culvert. 

The culvert failed during hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the county made temporary repairs to keep the trail safe, officials say permanent work is now underway and it won’t be a quick fix.l

What You Need To Know

 Upper Tampa Bay Trail is closed for major culvert work between West Waters Avenue and Sheldon Road

 Channel Park Trail head remains open, however it is recommended you use alternate trailheads if you are walking or biking more than one-mile.

Work on the culvert damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton is expected to be complete by mid-February  

For more information on trailhead locations and construction updates, visit here https://hcfl.gov/locations/upper-tampa-bay-trail

The trail is closed between West Waters Avenue and Sheldon Road, a heavily used section where thousands of cyclists and pedestrians pass through each month.

 County officials expect the closure to last until mid-February.

The construction site is located about one mile from the Channel Park Trailhead. Crews have brought in heavy equipment and are excavating a 14-foot embankment along Channel A.

The failing culvert beneath that embankment will be removed and replaced. 

Complicating the project is a 30-inch water main that runs through the area. It must remain pressurized and operational throughout construction.

Upper Tampa Bay Trail Park Supervisor Paul Cook said the work zone is dangerous and urges people to avoid the area until construction is complete.

“I know people are very motivated to do what they want to do, but I would recommend people use some of our other trailheads or even access our northern section of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail at 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Road,” he said. “That’s four-and-a-half miles and connects to the Suncoast Trail — you could ride all the way to Citrus County if you wanted to.”

The Channel Park Trailhead remains open for shorter trips, about 1.5 miles toward Hillsborough Avenue or one mile toward the construction site, where access stops.

Public Works will still need to address a washout along the embankment of Channel A caused by the hurricanes. 

There is no timeline yet for that project, and it is not expected to begin immediately.