Downtown Tampa Roads Closures Announced For Water Street Projects

TAMPA, FL -- The City of Tampa has produced a video to help drivers navigate the road closures that began this week to accommodate construction of the massive Water Street mixed-use development project.

On Monday a portion of Channelside Drive between South Jefferson Street and South Meridian Avenue and a section of Old Water Street between South Franklin Street and South Florida Avenue closed as installation of a sewer force main got underway.

A city contractor is installing the sewer force main in five phases at the same time another contractor is reconstructing Channelside Drive between Old Water Street and South Meridian Avenue in three phases to accommodate the massive Water Street mixed used development.

As part of Phase 1 of the regrading of Channelside Drive, the eastbound lanes on Channelside Drive between South Jefferson Street and South Meridian Avenue and one westbound lane on Channelside Drive between South Meridian Avenue and South Nebraska Avenue is closed.

One westbound lane on Channelside Drive between South Meridian Avenue and South Nebraska Avenue will remain open during construction of the south side of Channelside Drive, with delays.

The sidewalk on the north side of Channelside Drive between Old Water Street and South Meridian Avenue will remain closed during construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained via signage to other sidewalks in the area during construction.

It is anticipated that this phase of construction work will be completed by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, weather permitting.

Two additional phases will follow when the Phase 1 construction work is completed.

The entire Channelside Drive road project is expected to be completed by Tuesday, Jan. 22.

Simultaneously, a contractor is installing a 54-inch sewer force main on Old Water Street. As a result, Old Water Street between South Franklin Street and South Florida Avenue is closed.

The crosswalks on Old Water Street to the west and east of South Florida Avenue also will be closed during construction. Pedestrians will be detoured to other sidewalks in the area via signage.

It is anticipated that this phase of construction work will be completed by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, weather permitting.

Four additional phases will follow upon completion of Phase 1 construction work causing the following road closures:
Phase 2: Old Water Street at the intersection of South Florida Avenue
Phase 3: Old Water Street between South Florida Avenue and South Morgan Street
Phase 4: Old Water Street between South Florida Avenue and South Morgan Street
Phase 5: Old Water Street at the intersection of South Morgan Street

The Sewer Force Main Project is expected to be completed by Tuesday, March 26, and the entire wastewater project is expected to be completed by fall 2020.

The City of Tampa recommends that motorists use alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion.

For hockey fans planning on seeing the Lightning play at Amalie Arena during the construction period, click here.

For those attending a concert or other event at Amalie Arena, click here.

The City of Tampa's video can be viewed on its Facebook page as well.

The public can stay connected with the ongoing construction project by clicking here.

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