New Riverwalk stretch near University of Tampa set to open by year's end

A new stretch of Tampa’s Riverwalk is taking shape beside the University of Tampa, promising students a waterfront route to class — and the public a new connection through the heart of the city.

The nearly 2,000-foot section of the West Riverwalk between Plant Park and Cass Street is expected to open by the end of 2026, weather permitting, Tampa officials said Wednesday. The Haskell Co. is building the 12-foot-wide multiuse trail.

The pathway is part of West River BUILD, a nearly $60 million public works project intended to improve transportation and waterfront access in West Tampa. The broader project includes about 2 miles of new Riverwalk and improvements to roughly 3 miles of roadways.

Along the university campus, planners sought to make the trail look like an extension of its historic surroundings. Decorative brick bands lining both sides of the pathway echo the architecture of the university’s distinctive buildings and existing brickwork in Plant Park. New light poles were also selected to complement the campus fixtures.

Designers preserved a small portion of the original pathway, including stamped concrete dating to the early 1900s, and incorporated it into the new trail.

About 65 palm trees and at least five hammock stations are being added, creating places for students and other visitors to study, gather or relax along the Hillsborough River.

Construction is underway on five of the West River BUILD project’s six segments. In addition to the Riverwalk expansion, the work includes roadway and sidewalk upgrades, new crosswalks, accessibility improvements and living shorelines designed to stabilize the riverbank while providing environmental benefits.

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City officials say the completed project will function as both a recreational destination and a transportation corridor, giving residents and visitors another way to move through the area without a car. They also expect the improvements to support West Tampa’s continued redevelopment, which has brought new businesses, park renovations, affordable housing and other investments to the area.

The project is supported by a $24 million federal BUILD grant and a $10 million contribution from the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency. Tampa is providing about $7.5 million from its Community Investment Tax and approximately $16.8 million through future non-ad valorem bonds.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, also announced $250,000 in federal funding earlier this year for future minor enhancements to the project.

The entire West River BUILD project is expected to be completed in spring 2027.