Crews have wrapped up 20% of work on Tampa’s West Riverwalk expansion. The $60 million build started late last year. When finished, it’ll stretch 12.2 miles and link West Tampa with the heart of downtown.
Workers drill about 70 shafts and piles into the ground beneath the Hillsborough River, some reaching 40 to 50 feet down. These supports will hold up the Platt Street Pedestrian Bridge, the Brorein Street Pedestrian Bridge, and the Tony Jannus Park Observation Overlook.
“These are the most complex pieces of our Riverwalk project, and they allow for us to have that continuous connection to build on that network,” City of Tampa Mobility Director Brandon Campbell said, per Fox 13 News.
Building under an active bridge? That’s tough. Managers say this represents one of the trickiest parts of the whole job. But crews keep pushing ahead, hitting big markers as they go.
The trail will tie together neighborhoods scattered across Tampa. “Individuals will be able to go all the way down to Ballast Point along Bayshore, be able go north down into Tampa Heights,” Mayor Jane Castor said. “It will connect our new Rome Yard complex that is being built right now. Be able to east over into Ybor City and to East Tampa.”
Money comes from several sources: grants from Washington, bonds issued by Tampa, CRA dollars, and the Community Investment Tax. The city will roll out sections bit by bit, with most areas ready by mid-2027.
What’s next? Crews will fix up roads and walkways on Columbus Drive. They’ll build living shorelines that hug the water’s edge, pour new sidewalks, and add more trail chunks to the West Riverwalk.
Exact dates for each section haven’t been announced yet. The build aims to grow the walking paths that already link waterfront spots across the area.