HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County officials want feedback from the public about the West Shore Boulevard Complete Streets Project, spanning from W. Kennedy Boulevard to W. Boy Scout Boulevard.
YOUR INPUT | Take part in Virtual Public Forum for West Shore Complete Streets
The proposed project is set to upgrade safety along this corridor as well as drive new business into the area. Upgrades in the West Shore Boulevard Complete Streets project include shade trees, shaded walking areas for pedestrians and bicycles, wider sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, amenities and streetscaping.
This project also evaluates the potential for improved sidewalks, bicycle paths, shared-use paths, roadway crossing elements, speed mitigation strategies and more.
Additionally, there will be enhanced safety and circulation features along the corridor for pedestrian, bicycle, and ADA access and use, according to Hillsborough County.
County leaders say the changes, along with property redevelopment, will ultimately transform the corridor into a "dynamic urban street."
The hope is that the project will draw more people into the area. One driver of that is a new "social space" in front of Westshores's businesses.
Now, county leaders want to know what you think. People throughout the community can participate in a virtual public forum between Sept. 30 and Oct. 15.
People will have the opportunity to watch a project overview video, review project details, and offer comments online via The Hillsborough County Engagement Hub.
Public comment for this project closes October 15 at 11:59 p.m. Public input will also be taken by phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Those who prefer to provide a comment by phone may call Hillsborough County Public Works at (813) 635-5400. A member of staff will be glad to assist you, county representatives said.
The planning report for the project is expected to be complete by October 31. Although the total construction cost for this project is estimated at $13.8 million, a funding source has not been secured at this time, according to Hillsborough County.
When funding for the next project phases becomes available, follow-up public meetings will take place in order to provide details on the final designs and construction of the project, county leaders said in an announcement about the project.
This project is in line with Vision Zero principles, the goal of which is to create multi-use roadways with zero fatalities for users of the corridor, county representatives said.
The project is a collaborative effort among Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, Westshore Alliance, and FDOT.
