TAMPA, Fla. — Identified as one of the most dangerous streets in Tampa for drivers and pedestrians, a portion of West Cleveland Street will be undergoing a series of safety improvements and roadway enhancements

What You Need To Know

  • Identified as one of the most dangerous streets in Tampa for drivers and pedestrians, a portion of West Cleveland Street will be undergoing a series of safety improvements and roadway enhancements

  • Tampa's traffic engineers found Cleveland Street is under capacity and can operate efficiently with just two lanes

  • From 2021 to May 2024, a total of 80 crashes were recorded along Cleveland Street

  • This Quick Build will cost approximately $350,00 and is expected to be completed in a matter of weeks

The stretch being fixed is just west of the railroad tracks that intersect with Willow Avenue to Parker Street. 

Kylie Rotanelli sometimes runs along this section of road and says she often sees crashes. 

“Honestly every few weeks, and that is probably being generous,” said Rotanelli. “When I pull out of my apartment, that is right onto Platt, and just Platt and Cleveland alone, we see a crash every few weeks, if not every week or so.”

From 2021 to May 2024, a total of 80 crashes happened along the street. 40% of those crashed resulted in injuries. 

City leaders decided change was needed and chose to make the changes through a Quick Build construction project. 

“We don’t have a lot of money for transportation, for mobility, and so we have to stretch those dollars as fast as we can,” said Mayor Jane Castor.

The first change will be taking the road from three lanes down to two, converting that third lane into additional on-street parking and expanding the existing bike lane. 

Vik Bhide, Tampa’s mobility director, said drivers should not be worried about having fewer lanes, because the road is currently under capacity. 

“We’re very confident that the two lanes will easily accommodate growth as well as traffic. The current average daily traffic is less than 10,000. That’s not a whole lot,” said Bhide.

In total, 80 on-street spaces will be added. 

Also, drivers exiting the Selmon Expressway at Willow Avenue will be given better visibility while merging on Cleveland Street. 

Finally, crews will also create a protected intersection at Cleveland and South Hyde Park Avenue. This is a first for the city. 

This design keeps bicyclists separate from cars, giving them a dedicated path through the intersection and the right of way to turning vehicles. 

“Honestly very happy to hear it,” said Rotanelli. “Just being able to run closer to my apartment and not have to stay so far away because of just the sidewalk safety and everything will be a huge relief.”

These changes will cost $350,000 and take a few weeks to complete.

Drivers should expect nightly lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.