Tampa Republic

W Cleveland Street, identified as one of Tampa's most dangerous streets for drivers and pedestrians, is set to undergo a series of safety improvements and roadway enhancements. Construction crews commenced work on the night of May 19, focusing on the area west of the railroad tracks that intersect at Willow Avenue to Parker Street.

The Vision Zero Action Plan by Tampa highlighted Cleveland Street as part of its High Injury Network (HIN), a designation for roads where the majority of deadly and serious injury crashes occur. Traffic engineers in Tampa have found that Cleveland Street is under capacity and can operate efficiently with just two lanes. From 2021 to May 2024, there were 80 recorded crashes along this street, with injuries resulting from forty percent of these incidents.

The proposed safety improvements for Cleveland Street include converting one of the three existing travel lanes into a protected bicycle lane, creating approximately 80 new on-street parking spaces. This bicycle lane will eventually connect with the future West River BUILD project, thereby expanding Tampa's Green Spine.

Another significant feature is the creation of Tampa's first protected intersection at Cleveland and S. Hyde Park Avenue. This design separates bicyclists from cars, providing them with a dedicated path through the intersection and right-of-way with turning vehicles. Additionally, drivers exiting the Selmon Expressway at the Willow Avenue exit ramp will have improved visibility and safer access while merging onto Cleveland Street with oncoming vehicles.

"In 2019, Tampa joined the national Vision Zero mission to do all we could to prevent crashes and save lives," said Mayor Jane Castor. "The Cleveland Street Quick Build is just one of several projects our Mobility Department has undertaken in recent years as part of this commitment. Despite limited transportation funding, we must continue to tackle challenges creatively and relentlessly to turn Tampa's roads from one of the most dangerous in the country, to the safest."

This Quick Build project is estimated to cost around $350,000 and is expected to be completed within a few weeks. During this period, drivers can anticipate nightly lane closures from 7:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M.