East Hillsborough Avenue (US 92/SR 600/US 41)
from Nebraska Avenue to 50th Street
The Florida Department of Transportation and the City of Tampa are implementing pedestrian safety improvements on East Hillsborough Avenue. The improvements will incorporate seven (7) new pedestrian crossings at five (5) locations along the corridor between Nebraska Avenue and 50th Street. The project will occur in five (5) phases, beginning in March of 2015. All planned improvements will be completed by June of 2016. Keep checking back for updates on the project!
Thank you to our partner organizations:
Corridor Improvement Summary
PHASE 1
One (1) additional traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of East Hillsborough Avenue and N. 19th Street. The traffic signal installation project included:
- Designated pedestrian crosswalks with high-emphasis markings, pedestrian crossing signals and push-buttons
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) features and sidewalk ramp improvements
PHASE 2
Three (3) new pedestrian crosswalks were installed at three (3) locations – N. 11th Street, N. 37th Street and N 46th Street. The crosswalks will include:
- High-emphasis crosswalk markings with pedestrian crossing signals and push-buttons
- ADA features and sidewalk ramp improvements
- Pedestrian safety refuge area in the center median of the roadway
- Over-head pedestrian hybrid beacons (a.k.a. HAWKs)
PHASE 3
One (1) additional traffic signal was installed at Meridian Pointe Apartments/East Gate Plaza. The traffic signal installation project will include:
- Designated pedestrian crosswalks with high-emphasis markings, pedestrian crossing signals and push-buttons
- ADA and sidewalk ramp improvements
PHASE 4
Safety and operational enhancements at existing signalized intersections at Nebraska Avenue and 22nd Street.
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Upgrading signal-heads to provide flashing arrow phases to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and turning vehicles
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Upgrade traffic signal faces to Light-Emitting Diode (LED) and install retro-reflective back plates on existing signal faces to improve visibility of signal indications to drivers
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Upgrades to signal controller cabinets and associated equipment
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Installatation of wireless communications to provide enhanced monitoring and control by Active Traffic Management System (ATMS)
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Installation of uninterruptible power supply (battery backup) to maintain operations during loss of power
PHASE 5
Median landscaping at select locations.
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FDOT is working with the City of Tampa and the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency to provide new landscaping features at select locations on the corridor.
Design Features
Typical sidewalk ramp.
High-emphasis crosswalk markings.
Pedestrian push-button.
LED traffic signal face and pedestrian signal.
Flashing yellow arrow signal indication.
What is a HAWK?
Retro-reflective back plate on a signal face.
Maps & Images of Improvement
Hillsborough Avenue at 11th Street
Hillsborough Avenue at Meridian Pointe Apartments/East Gate Plaza
Hillsborough Avenue at 37th Street
Hillsborough Avenue at 46th Street
Note: The images above are conceptual and actual designs are subject to change.
Safety Education Outreach
Walk Wise has been conducting safety outreach on the corridor talking to residents and businesses about safe walking and driving tips as well as conducting interactive safety presentations at community gathering places such as schools and apartment complexes. Walk Wise ambassadors are also out on the streets interviewing walkers, cyclists, and transit users about the improvements ad part of a qualitative evaluation of the safety project. Results of the evaluation will be completed by mid-2016.
High-Visibility Law Enforcement
City of Tampa Police Department was awarded $106,248 for law enforcement activities from the Florida Department of Transportation under the High Visibility Enforcement program for pedestrian and bicycle safety. The funds will pay for dedicated law enforcement officer overtime activities in crash-prone areas of the City, including the Hillsborough Avenue corridor. Officers will be issuing warnings and citations to motorists and pedestrians violating Florida traffic laws and distributing safety information.
Tips for driving safely:
- Be courteous. All vulnerable road users should be treated with respect—especially pedestrians.
- Be alert. Watch for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Be aware. Before turning left or right, look to make sure a pedestrian isn’t crossing the street.
- Be smart and obey Florida traffic laws. Don’t run red lights and always stop and look in both directions before turning right on red.
- Be responsible. Never drink and drive.
- Be present. Never drive distracted.
- Be patient and don’t speed. The faster you drive, the more severe a potential crash will be.
Tips for walking safely:
- Be predictable. Always use sidewalks. If there is no side-walk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
- Be seen. When walking at night or during dawn or dusk, make sure you are visible.
- Be alert. Watch for traffic in all directions. Don’t cross the street until it’s safe.
- Be smart and obey Florida traffic laws. Always use a crosswalk to cross the street. Use pedestrian push-buttons and pedestrian signals.
- Be alert. When crossing, watch for cars turning left and right – they may not see you.