Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Tampa is breaking ground on the next chapter of its iconic Riverwalk, a transformative project designed to connect communities, spark economic growth, and revitalize long-overlooked neighborhoods along the west side of the Hillsborough River.
Officially known as the West River BUILD Project, the initiative includes more than five miles of roadway safety improvements throughout West Tampa and about two miles of new Riverwalk along the river’s west bank.
When complete, the new path will extend from Platt Street to Rome Avenue, featuring pedestrian bridge underpasses, 1,500 feet of living shorelines, scenic overlooks, and a continuous link to the existing Riverwalk and Tampa’s thriving downtown.
The expansion will ultimately create a 12.2-mile continuous Riverwalk along both sides of the Hillsborough River, reaching all the way to Ballast Point Park.
“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 $56.8-million project will feature “complete street” upgrades along Platt Street, Rome Avenue, Columbus Drive, and in Ridgewood Park — including improved lighting, low-stress bike lanes, upgraded traffic signals, and new sidewalks and crosswalks. These changes reflect Tampa’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate serious crashes through safer roadway design.
Funding includes a $24 million federal BUILD grant and a $10 million contribution from the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
“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.”
The West River BUILD Project will connect more than a dozen neighborhoods — including West Tampa, Tampa Heights, North Hyde Park, Ridgewood Park, and Ybor City — to the city’s urban core and waterfront. It will serve as the centerpiece of Tampa’s walk-bike network, linking the East-West Green Spine Cycle Track to South Tampa and Seminole Heights while connecting parks, schools, and recreation centers along the way.
Construction is expected to create about 500 short-term jobs and stimulate more than $1 billion in new economic development over time. Long-term projections estimate the project could add at least 1,000 direct and indirect jobs annually, strengthening Tampa’s role as one of Florida’s most livable and connected cities.
With broad community and bipartisan political support, the West River BUILD Project represents a major milestone in Tampa’s ongoing effort to build a more equitable, sustainable, and connected future.
