The City of Tampa has begun construction on the West River BUILD Project, a major expansion of its Riverwalk that aims to improve transportation and economic opportunities in West Tampa. The project includes more than five miles of roadway safety upgrades and nearly two miles of new Riverwalk along the west side of the Hillsborough River.
The planned pathway will run from Platt Street to Rome Avenue, featuring pedestrian bridge underpasses, living shorelines, scenic overlooks, and a direct connection to the existing Riverwalk and downtown Tampa. Once completed, it will create a continuous 12.2-mile route along both sides of the river, reaching Ballast Point Park.
At the groundbreaking event, Mayor Jane Castor stated: “What begins today as the turning of soil will soon become the turning point for West Tampa. 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.”
Safety improvements are planned for key roads including Platt, Rome, Columbus, and Ridgewood Park. These enhancements include better lighting, dedicated bicycle lanes, updated traffic signals, and improved sidewalks and crosswalks. The city says these changes support its Vision Zero goal to eliminate serious traffic accidents through safer road design.
Funding for the $56.8 million project comes from several sources: a $24 million federal BUILD grant and $10 million from Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), with additional local support. When finished, the new infrastructure is expected to provide affordable transportation options for neighborhoods such as West Tampa, Tampa Heights, North Hyde Park, Ridgewood Park, and Ybor City. It will also connect parks, schools, recreation centers and link with other bike routes across South Tampa and Seminole Heights.
CRA Board Chair Luis Viera said: “This project is a game-changer for West Tampa. 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. I’m proud to support a project that connects communities and celebrates the vibrant spirit of West Tampa.”
City officials expect construction to generate about 500 short-term jobs and anticipate an increase in at least 1,000 direct and indirect jobs annually after completion. They estimate that over time the development could lead to more than $1 billion in new economic activity.
Support for the initiative spans residents, business leaders and elected officials at various levels of government.
The City describes this effort as part of an ongoing transformation from industrial decline along the Hillsborough River to renewed public spaces on its waterfront—a process highlighted by interviews with former mayors Pam Iorio and Bob Buckhorn as well as current Mayor Jane Castor in a documentary about Tampa’s Riverwalk.
