Tampa Riverwalk Extension Approved to Improve Safety

The city and county are funding a new path to bypass a high-incident intersection near the Cass Street bridge.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Home Renovation

Screen-print poster illustration of a raised concrete walkway passing beneath a stone bridge, evoking Tampa's riverfront infrastructure improvements. — Tampa and Hillsborough County have allocated $400,000 to extend the Riverwalk, creating a pedestrian path beneath the Cass Street bridge. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa have committed $400,000 in total funding to begin design work on a new Tampa Riverwalk extension. The project aims to improve pedestrian safety by routing the trail beneath the Cass Street bridge to avoid a busy intersection.

Why it matters

The extension removes the need for pedestrians to navigate the intersection of Cass Street and W. Tyler Street, which saw 15 incidents between 2020 and 2024. This change addresses long-standing safety concerns as the city prepares for major nearby venue upgrades.

The county and city each contributed $200,000 for the preliminary engineering phase. This supports the design of a path segment intended to bypass an intersection where 15 pedestrian incidents occurred over the last five years.

The players

Hillsborough County

The local regional government body responsible for approving infrastructure funding and public safety initiatives.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

A major local cultural hub currently undergoing a significant renovation project valued at over $100 million.

Tampa Museum of Art

A downtown institution currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation effort.

The details

The design will extend the riverfront walkway out over the water to pass under the Cass Street bridge. By rerouting foot traffic off the street level at the intersection of Cass Street and W. Tyler Street, the city aims to eliminate direct vehicle-pedestrian conflict points. This effort aligns with the broader West River BUILD project infrastructure goals.

January 2020 to December 2024: 15 pedestrian incidents occurred at the Cass and Tyler intersection.
2025: Construction began for the West River BUILD project.
October 21, 2026: Hillsborough County commissioners approved the funding for the design phase.
3-4 years from now: The projected window for project completion.

The Home Front

This project integrates into the larger West River BUILD initiative currently transforming downtown accessibility. It follows a trend of connecting major cultural assets like the Straz Center and Tampa Museum of Art with safer, riverfront-focused urban design.

Residents who frequent the downtown area should expect shifting pedestrian traffic patterns as design and eventual construction commence. Plan your commute or recreational walks to avoid the intersection of Cass Street and W. Tyler Street as future safety improvements are implemented.

The takeaway

The city is prioritizing pedestrian safety by investing in infrastructure that separates foot traffic from vehicle-heavy corridors. Keep an eye on local city council updates for the next phase of design progress in this three-to-four-year timeline.