TAMPA, Fla. — When you see a shot of Tampa Bay in the national spotlight it’s no surprise why our iconic riverwalk always makes it into the shot.
The popular trail for bikers and walkers is moving forward with an expansion making it accessible to even more of the community.
It’s all thanks to a $24 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation that the Tampa City Council recently approved the work. The 6-mile West River Build Grant project they approved will fill in gaps in pathways and make streets safer turning it into a continuous pathway that is just more than 12 miles long hugging the west side water line of the Hillsborough River.
City leaders say it will benefit West Tampa, North Hyde Park and portions of South Tampa near Hyde Park.
Other upgrades include enhanced flashing pedestrian crossings, sidewalk upgrades, new lighting and even restoring native shorelines. The USDOT grant will pay for 80% of this project. The remaining will be paid for by the city.
Construction won’t begin till next year. The estimated completion date is set for the end of 2026.