Tampa's West Riverwalk Expansion Project: Details and Community Meeting

West Riverwalk Expansion Project Overview

• 💡 The Tampa Riverwalk is expanding to the west side, a project that includes roadway improvements and enhanced safety infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• 🎯 This expansion aims to better connect the community and stitch it together, building on existing investments.

Local Business Impact

• 📈 A local business owner, Mario Vernon of Yo Tires, reports an increase in customers and business due to the ongoing construction.
• 🛠️ He notes that construction debris, like screws washed into the street, has also led to more repair work for his tire shop.

Project Scope and Funding

• 🗺️ The West River Build Project is divided into six sections, with the first two focusing on building approximately 1.7 miles of the west side Riverwalk.
• 🛣️ Sections three through six will implement road improvements on the west side, creating a loop with the new Riverwalk.
• 💰 The project is valued at nearly $57 million, with $24 million funded by the federal government, and the remainder from local sources including $10 million from the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Area, city tax dollars, and bond funds.

Project Timeline and Public Engagement

• 🗓️ The entire project is slated for completion by 2027.
• 📍 Groundbreaking is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28th at 10:30 a.m.
• 💬 A public meeting is being held tomorrow night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bulip Baptist Institutional Church for residents to learn more and provide input.