Tampa Improves Bayshore Boulevard, Bike Lanes

With both northbound and southbound Bayshore Boulevard open to the public, Phase I of the Bayshore Boulevard Enhancement Project is now complete.

After months of construction, Phase I of the $2.1 million project focused on pedestrian improvements, including the installation of crosswalks at Bay to Bay Boulevard and at Platt Street; drivers should be aware of the new traffic signal indications to allow pedestrians to cross.

“Increased safety for pedestrians and bicyclists has been provided for a signature Tampa asset,” says David Vaughn, director of contract administrations with the City of Tampa.

Phase I of the three-phase enhancement project began in March 2011, installing 4-foot bicycle lanes, northbound turn lanes and additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible pedestrian crossings from Platt Street to Rome Avenue.

Phases II and III will focus on widening the roadway from Rome Avenue to Howard Avenue and Howard Avenue to north of Gandy Boulevard, as well as modifying existing roadway to provide for 4-foot bicycle lanes.

Funded by a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grant, the total construction cost for Phases II and III of the project is estimated at approximately $5 million.

“Enhancement projects allow the City to leverage its funding and provide needed enhancements throughout the City,” says Vaughn. “Without enhancement funding, the improvements either would not have occurred or been delayed for an indeterminate amount of time until alternate resources were obtained.”

Phase II of the enhancement project is anticipated for construction between 2014 and 2015 while Phase III will begin when funding becomes available.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: David Vaughn, City of Tampa