TAMPA, Fla. — Drivers in North Tampa are dealing with significant traffic delays as Hillsborough County temporarily closes a portion of Morris Bridge Road to repair a damaged stormwater drainage system.
What You Need To Know
Morris Bridge Road closure expected to last two weeks
Contractors are replacing an underground metal storm drainpipe that failed during last year’s hurricane season
Upgraded pipe is designed to last decades and will require less county maintenance
Detour route around the closure includes Cross Creek Boulevard and Burce B. Downs
The closure is taking place just south of Cross Creek Boulevard, near the Morris Bridge Road entrance to Cory Lake Isles.
The road is shut down in both directions and is expected to remain closed for a couple of weeks.
With the closure in place, traffic has been rerouted to Cross Creek Boulevard and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard — two major roadways that already experience heavy congestion.
As a result, drivers are seeing bumper-to-bumper traffic during peak commuting hours.
Morning delays are especially noticeable along Cross Creek Boulevard, while afternoon traffic has slowed considerably on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
According to Hillsborough County officials, the construction project is critical to preventing future flooding.
During last year’s hurricanes, a metal storm drainpipe beneath Morris Bridge Road failed, causing major flooding in the area and forcing the road to close for weeks.
Crews are now replacing that damaged pipe with a reinforced concrete pipe designed to last decades.
“We are putting in a reinforced concrete pipe there. The lifespan of those is 50 to 100 years,” said Eddie Burch with Hillsborough County Public Works. “We are also putting some concrete walls there that help prevent erosion and help with the stability of the pipe, so this new pipe won’t require as much maintenance and will last longer.”
County officials expect Morris Bridge Road to reopen by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Until then, drivers are urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and remain patient while crews complete the work.