Councilman Says Bruce B. Downs Construction Nearing Completion

NEW TAMPA, FL – Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera brought good news to New Tampa residents concerned about the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists along Bruce B. Down Boulevard as the widening of the road continues.

In response to the concerns of constituents, Viera arranged a meeting with Hillsborough County to discuss what can be done to make the county-maintained road safer.

“I am glad to say we have had success,” Viera said.

Among the concerns are the 15 uncovered manholes along the road. The county originally planned to cover them within the next two to three months but has agreed to push up the schedule to have them covered sooner.

“I am told by our friends in the county that they will be covered in the next one to two weeks,” said Viera.

Residents also had concerns for the safety of students coming out of Wharton High School onto Bruce B. Downs.

Viera said the county has agreed to the following safety enhancements:

1. An-off duty law enforcement officer will be there to assist directing traffic during morning peak time.

2. There will be added lead pedestrian interval to the pedestrian signal timing to allow walkers more time crossing.

3. There will be enhanced pedestrian striping immediately to provide a more clearly dedicated pedestrian path across Bruce B. Downs

4. Also, it was found that the pedestrian buttons were sticking, and field staff is reviewing all intersections for proper operations on a weekly basis.

As for the construction on Bruce B. Downs that seems to have no end, Viera said he’s received assurances from the county. The road will be completed and ready for final roadway configuration no later than November, with all lanes open to traffic.

The widening of Bruce B. Downs from Bearss Avenue to the Pasco County line has been underway since 2010.

The project was divided into four segments, A, B, C and D.

Segment D, the final 1.4-mile segment being widened from four to eight lanes from Pebble Creek to the Meadow Pointe area, began in October 2016.

The $25 million project was originally scheduled to be completed in July.

The two inside southbound lanes were completed over the summer, allowing traffic to shift so construction crews could complete the two outside northbound lanes.

When finished the newly reconstructed roadway will include bicycle and pedestrian enhancements from Fletcher Avenue to Bearss Avenue, improvements to the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and Bearss Avenue, improvements to the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and Richard Silver Way at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and improvements to the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and Campus Hill Drive.

Segment A from Bearss Avenue to Palm Springs Boulevard in Tampa Palms was completed last year at a cost of $54 million.

Image via Hillsborough County

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