Construction is now underway on the West Riverwalk project, a major expansion that will extend the Tampa Riverwalk into Tampa Heights and West Tampa to improve connectivity and mobility across the city.
Mayor Jane Castor and other city officials expressed enthusiasm for the project during a press conference on April 15, held beneath the N. Blvd. Bridge near Armature Works. They used the words “connectivity,” “legacy,” and "excitement" while describing this project.
The project will add nearly two miles of new scenic riverwalk along the west side of the Hillsborough River, along with three miles of major roadway improvements designed to enhance safety along Platt St. Rome Ave. and Columbus Ave.
Planned roadway upgrades include new pavement, protected bicycle lanes, expanded sidewalks, improved lighting and additional tree planting.
Once completed, the Tampa Riverwalk will become 12.2-miles of continuous pathway.
“I often talk about the diversity of Tampa and other cities can claim that they have diversity, but I think what really puts us above the other cities is everybody lives together. West River is the perfect example of that,” said Castor. “Thats the way our city should be and that's the way it's going to be in the future.”
Current construction includes new West Riverwalk segments, resilient living shorelines along the river, a new trail near Ridgewood Park, and improvements to West Platt Street from Rome Avenue to Willow Avenue. Officials also announced plans to begin work on new pedestrian underpass bridges later this month.
Enhancements along W. Platt St. will include new pavement, a separated eastbound cycle track, safer crosswalks with flashing beacons, a refuge island and updated signage.
Castor also said the project will have environmental benefits, including the installation of living shorelines.
“We are starting those important seawalls using large boulders, which will allow, what I like to call them, the little critters to be able to live in those locations. This will then attract fish and oysters and so forth,” said Castor. “In addition to that, it dissipates the wave and stops erosion.”
Officials said the project is expected to boost economic development in West Tampa.
“We are excited and amazed at what this area is becoming and the future it holds for its residents and the citizens of Tampa,” said Joe Robison, chair of the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Area Community Advisory Committee. “One word, community, We know based on the success of the existing East Side Riverwalk, where having an asset like this will lead to more jobs, more prosperity, more opportunities and a better quality life of West Tampa. Our children, young adults and everyone will visit here.”
The project is supported by a $24 million federal BUILD grant, $10 million from the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency and an additional $250,000 in federal funding.
Construction is expected to be completed in Spring of 2027.
