Tampa Riverfront Expansion Connects Community, Bolsters Shoreline

Tampa, Florida, is known for its expansive riverwalk, which spans more than two miles along the Hillsborough River and runs past attractions, bars and restaurants. Recently ranked No. 6 on Fodor’s Travel list of America’s best riverwalks, it will soon expand with the help of Haskell’s Design-Build team.

In 2022, Tampa was awarded a $24 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to extend the Tampa Riverwalk. This grant is a part of the Better Utilizing Investing to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Development Fund, which supports transportation projects that provide equitable, safe and innovative solutions to their cities. The city is providing the rest of the $56.8 million.

“Tampa is part of the Vision Zero Network, which is a network of cities that have pledged to eliminate tragic fatalities and injuries from traffic accidents,” said Fred Jones, Haskell Director of Planning. “This expansion will not only incorporate new sections of the Riverwalk and a multi-use trail on the west side of the Hillsborough River but will substantially improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and access to the river.”

While the existing 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk connects downtown entertainment and culture, the upcoming extension will significantly benefit Tampa’s western neighborhoods. The new multi-use trail, running parallel to the current path on the east side of the river, adds 5.5 miles of protected paths for walkers, bikers, and rollers. This expansion is about connecting the neighborhoods to the river, enhancing their quality of life, economic investment, and fostering community.

“A huge piece of this project is about connecting the tapestry of the West Tampa communities that are disconnected from the river by infrastructure,” Jones said. “We are building a network of opportunity and leveraging active transportation to enhance quality of life and continue to connect Tampa.”

Innovative People-Moving Solutions

The City of Tampa engaged Haskell, a leader in design-build delivery, to create a six-segmented loop connecting the existing riverwalk with the west side of downtown. The segments will be completed in phases to maintain traffic flow and reduce the impact on residents and businesses.

“Since 1965, Haskell has built its ethos, reputation and reliability around design-build,” Jones said. “This project allows us to leverage this legacy, integrating our collaborative, self-performing team of planners, architects, engineers, landscape architects and construction and visualization specialists to provide the city with what will be the No. 1 riverwalk experience in the world.”

The expansion is more than sidewalks and bike lanes. It will provide innovative solutions for moving people from point A to point B, including multi-use paths, protected bike lanes, safe intersections and improved crosswalks.

“There’s a common denominator between great places. They’re all walkable,” Jones said. “A walkable and accessible place creates economic development and can become very successful. That’s what Tampa knows and does well downtown, so we are excited to extend that to the west.”

Promoting Car-Free Transportation

In timely support of this project, the Haskell team recently attended and was a bicycle sponsor of Tampa’s World Car-Free Event, which promoted alternative and sustainable transportation solutions, reducing the number of cars on the street and bike and pedestrian safety.

Haskell partnered with the University of South Florida’s (USF) Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) student chapter and USF’s Bike Club members to tout the alternative and viable transportation modes around downtown and the greater Tampa area.

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with USF, bringing awareness to both the students and the community,” said Allan Iosue, Haskell Director of Business Development. “As we begin developing the final five miles of this 12.2-mile pathway, our goal is to enhance safety and accessibility for the West River community and offer safer mobility options for all.”

Celebrating the Riverfront

Along with the safety updates and additions is a move for more sustainable shorelines. Instead of traditional bulkheads, the project will include the installation of living shorelines along the path. These encourage the natural growth of wildlife, are more effective in absorbing wave energy and better protect against shoreline erosion. Given the emphasis on nature, there will be 18 “moments” throughout the trails featuring educational callouts, a celebration of the riverfront, information on local ecology and resilience and locally curated public art.

“Our entire concept incorporates global street and urban design best practices that celebrate the Hillsborough River and its tapestry of neighborhoods,” Jones said. “This means every aspect of our design and programming is rooted in a connection to people, experiences and future desires.”

By bringing to bear a fully integrated design-build team, Haskell creates world-class solutions for complex capital projects.

“This project embodies why I chose the path to be a professional urban planner. It is at the intersection of community, mobility, urban design, resiliency, and equity,” Jones said. “It provides the opportunity to not only implement an accessible, vibrant public space but to continue making Tampa a world-class destination.”

From cities and campuses to transportation networks and the natural environment, Haskell’s fully integrated team plans, designs and implements people-focused solutions. Contact the team to discuss your hopes and needs.