West Riverwalk Update: Building the Supports How Do They Do it? News General, News Mayor Office, News Parks and Recreation, News Tampa Riverwalk Some of the most complex[...]

Some of the most complex engineering and construction work tied to the West Riverwalk Extension is underway as crews are building the support structures for the project's overwater sections. New pedestrian bridges are a critical piece of creating what will be a continuous 12.2-mile pathway that will finally connect the west side of the Hillsborough River directly to the heart of the city.

Nearly 70 drilled shafts and piles are being installed to support three overwater structures: the Platt Street Pedestrian Bridge, the Brorein Street Pedestrian Bridge, and the Tony Jannus Park Observation Overlook. This construction began in May.

For maximum stability, specialized crews are drilling each support roughly 40 feet down into the riverbed, with some shafts reaching nearly 50 feet deep. Each structure can support more than 130 tons, roughly the weight of 20 adult elephants.

This type of construction is highly complex and requires precise engineering expertise. The Haskell Company, the West River BUILD design-builder, has partnered with Orion Marine Construction for this portion of the project. Barges, cranes, and heavy-duty drilling equipment are among the tools needed to complete this type of installation.

Once the shafts are in place, installation of the substructure and decks can begin later this summer.

"Walking along Tampa's Riverwalk is already an experience, but new elements like the pedestrian bridges will make it even more memorable," said Mayor Jane Castor. "This is by far one of the most impactful projects Tampa has undertaken to unify communities, create job opportunities, enhance safety, support tourism, and promote healthy lifestyles. The benefits are endless."

In addition to this unique work, construction activity is underway across five of the six segments of the West River BUILD project. These include roadway and sidewalk improvements along Platt Street and Rome Avenue, and soon - Columbus Drive, living shoreline construction along the Hillsborough River, new sidewalk installation, and additional sections of the West Riverwalk trail.

In total the project includes roughly three miles of roadway improvements and two miles of new Riverwalk.

West River BUILD Project Map

Once complete, the West Riverwalk will serve as both a destination and a transportation connector, giving residents and visitors, a safer, car-free way to move around and connect with the riverfront.

A primary goal of the project is to create safer and more convenient connections to Downtown Tampa from surrounding neighborhoods, including Hyde Park, North Hyde Park, West Tampa, Riverside Heights, Bowman Heights, Ridgewood Park, North Franklin Street, and Yellow Brick Row.

The project is also expected to fuel continued economic growth in West Tampa, a community in the midst of a renaissance marked by new businesses, renovated parks, affordable housing, and investment.

The nearly $60 million project is supported by a $24 million federal BUILD grant, along with an additional $10 million contribution from the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The City of Tampa will be investing roughly $7.5 million from the Community Investment Tax (CIT) and approximately $16.8 million in future non-ad valorem bonds. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Kathy Castor also announced $250,000 in additional federal funding for the project.

Construction on the whole project is roughly 20 percent complete and is expected to wrap up in Spring 2027.

For additional details and renderings, visit the project website: http://westriverbuild.com

To view current and future lane / road closures, visit: http://tampa.gov/road-closures