Roadway, pedestrian and aesthetic upgrades completed along the SR 585 corridor through the City of Tampa’s Ybor City District transformed this former truck route into an inviting, historic neighborhood corridor that supports all users and modes of transportation, safety, economic growth and livability. The Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE) selected the SR 585 Urban Corridor Modification project for two 2017 awards: The Excellence in Engineering Honor Award and the FICE Transportation Committee’s Outstanding Special Project.

As designer on the project, Wade Trim worked with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7, City of Tampa, Ybor City Development Corporation, Barrio Latino Commission, and local businesses and residents to restore this transportation corridor. Extending 2.75 miles from SR 60 to SR 600, the project narrowed and enhanced the corridor through a “roadway diet” and a “complete streets” design approach to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation, while transferring ownership from FDOT to the City of Tampa. Heavy truck traffic on SR 585 (21st and 22nd Streets) through Ybor City between I-4 and the Port of Tampa divided and eroded this National Historic Landmark District for decades. Completion of the I-4 Connector diverted most truck traffic off local roads and made the SR 585 Corridor Modification project possible.

Along with a comprehensive public involvement program to address desires and concerns of stakeholders and local community organizations, construction sequencing and a Maintenance of Traffic Plan minimized the economic impact of construction by maintaining business access and traffic capacity. The existing 100-year-old storm sewer system was retrofitted to accommodate a narrower roadway, and new LED traffic signal and pedestrian count-down displays were installed. Historical five-globe lighting, granite curb, and recycled brick paver crosswalks were also selected to reflect the area’s culture and history while maintaining current standards.

In addition to the FICE awards, the project received the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission Chairman’s Award in 2016 for excellence in planning and design, contributing to a better quality of life, and serving as a model to learn from and emulate.