Tampa delays controversial street redesign after neighborhood uproar
TAMPA, Fla. - People in South Tampa will get a chance to weigh in Wednesday on a plan to redesign El Prado Boulevard, a project that’s sparked a growing debate in the neighborhood.
The City of Tampa is hosting an open house Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Jan Platt Library, where residents can ask questions and share concerns about the proposal.
The meeting comes after the project’s expected start earlier this month was delayed following pushback from some neighbors.
What the Project Would Do
The plan would reshape parts of El Prado by reducing some sections from four lanes to two while adding bike lanes, sidewalks and new crossing areas.
City leaders say the goal is to slow drivers down and make the road safer for everyone.
"We’re going to be narrowing the lanes… reducing the number of lanes so that we slow traffic down on this residential street," Tampa Mobility Director Brandon Campbell told FOX 13 News.
Campbell says the road is currently built to handle far more traffic than it actually sees.
"It’s basically built for 20,000 cars a day… as of right now… we have three to 8,000," he said.
The other side:
Reaction to the project has been mixed.
Some residents say reducing lanes could make it harder to get around South Tampa, especially as the area continues to grow.
"The people that live and work in South Tampa need to be able to commute and go places and work and do things," neighbor Matt Marsden said.
Marsden also questioned whether bike lanes are needed.
"We’re doing a lot of things to slow traffic, but nobody’s riding bikes anywhere," he said.
Others support the plan, pointing to safety concerns along the corridor, especially for students and families.
Safety Concerns Drive Support
Some residents and advocates say the changes are overdue.
"El Prado Boulevard is right in the middle of the neighborhood, but it is a four-lane road," said Emily Hinsdale with Walk Bike Tampa and Sidewalk Stompers.
Hinsdale says the road’s current design can encourage speeding and make it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely.
"Picture yourself trying to run across Dale Mabry without a light… and how that feels," she said.
An 18-year-old who grew up in the area says he’s experienced those dangers firsthand.
"I’ve personally been hit by a car while riding my bike," Quinn Rukholm said.
What's next:
The project is currently in the procurement phase, meaning the city is working to hire a contractor before construction begins.
While construction was expected to start in early May, the timeline is now unclear as the city gathers more input from the community.
The Source: Information in this story comes from City of Tampa project documents, a public meeting announcement, and interviews conducted by FOX 13 News with city leaders, neighbors and safety advocates.