TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)—The City of Tampa announced the groundbreaking of the new west Riverwalk project.
The West River BUILD project will have more than five miles of roadway safety improvements and new connections throughout West Tampa, as well as about two miles of new riverwalk on the west side of the Hillsborough River.
“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.”
The project consists of 6 unique segments that combine to create a new, 12.2-mile active transportation corridor. Credit: City of Tampa
The West Riverwalk will stretch nearly two miles long from Platt Street to Rome Avenue. Credit: City of Tampa
According to the City of Tampa, the new riverwalk will follow the west bank of the river from Platt Street to Rome Avenue.
The riverwalk will feature pedestrian bridge underpasses, 1,500 feet of living shorelines, scenic overlooks, and a safe link to the existing riverwalk and downtown Tampa.
Once the project is complete, residents and visitors can enjoy a 12.2-mile continuous pathway along both sides of the river, extending to Ballast Point Park.
The critical safety improvements along Platt, Rome, Columbus, and in Ridgewood Park will include ‘complete street’ enhancements, the City of Tampa said.
The project consists of six unique segments that combine to create a new, 12.2-mile active transportation corridor. Credit: City of Tampa
The improvements include:
Traffic signal modifications
Improved sidewalks and crosswalks
“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.”
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