Tampa Streetcar Extension Nears Completion In Downtown

The TECO streetcar line expansion continues its progress.

Work on the extension portion near the convention center appears to be nearly done. According to Bob McDonaugh, urban development manager with Tampa's Economic and Urban Development Department, the line through Whiting Street is scheduled to be completed by December 2010.

"The completion will bring the convenience of the streetcar closer to the heart of downtown," says McDonaugh. "With it's proximity to the Fort Brooke Garage; the new stop will provide visitors with another parking option while attending conventions, concerts or hockey games at the St. Petersburg Times Arena. The City of Tampa's recent installation of wayfinding signs and the available option of parking at several facilities along the streetcar route make a visit to downtown, the Channel District or Ybor City much more user friendly to occasional visitors from outside of the area."

According to Deborah Tamargo, manager of government affairs at Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART), the extension will bring the streetcar line into downtown and a new terminus at Franklin Street and Whiting Street, approximately a third of a mile from the former terminus at Channelside Drive. The extension continues past the arena and the Marriott Waterside Hotel, through Dick Greco Plaza and onto Franklin Street, where it ends at Whiting Street.

A new station will be constructed in front of the Fort Brooke Garage, just south of the corner of Franklin and Whiting streets. The portion of the extension between Brorein Street and Cumberland Avenue will be double track. This will allow for passing and storage of streetcars.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Sources: Bob McDonough, city of Tampa; Deborah Tamargo, HART