TAMPA, Fla. — A bricking project is underway in Ybor City to help calm traffic on a road typically heavy with pedestrian traffic.

Block by block, bricks started being laid Monday on historic 7th Avenue, starting at 15th Street.

“Ybor City is a national historic landmark district, and this is really in keeping with its historic character,” said Brenda Thrower, CRA Development Manager for Ybor City.

A total of fourteen blocks will be bricked. It’s estimated, 35,000 to 40,000 authentic bricks will be used per block. During construction, cars are being rerouted but sidewalks are open.

“We just don’t want it interfering with business, obviously it’s a little harder,” said Alicia Duffy, General Manager of New York, New York Pizza.

So far, Duffy is pleased with the progress outside her family business she’s worked at for fifteen years.

“It seems like they’re moving way faster than I thought they would,” said Duffy, who says she looks forward to bring the history of the district back to life.

Thrower says the end result will bring more than charm back to the historic district.

“It will also be natural traffic calming and will promote walkability in the district,” said Thrower.

Phase one includes 7th Avenue and 15th to 17th Streets and should take about three weeks.

The entire project includes fourteen blocks from Nick Nuncio Parkway to 26th Street.

Signage at each corner of the construction area will reroute traffic and guide patrons to businesses.

The City of Tampa also encourages residents to take advantage of the TECO Line Streetcar to get around.

Thrower also says the project will promote alternative modes of transportation, connectivity and help boost local businesses.

“Ybor City will have a different look and feel, so we hope that will be something that will be positive for the district,” she said.