It's 1.7 miles of dedicated path right through the heart of downtown Tampa: the new Selmon Greenway Trail.
The trail connects to the Tampa Riverwalk at Brorien Street and follows the path of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, ending at 19th Street.
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) Spokesperson, Sue Chrzan explains, while the Greenway was not part of the original plan of the Selmon Expressway, THEA is thrilled to partner with the City of Tampa on the project.
"We've been wanting to do something downtown for a long time," Chrzan said. "The connectivity between pedestrians and bicycles is very important, especially to the City of Tampa."
The city turned over about 100 parking spaces located under the Selmon Expressway, and the Expressway Authority tagged on to the city's Grant Application for the final stages of the Tampa Riverwalk Project. The result is a 15-foot wide, separated path which will eventually connect downtown Tampa to Ybor City.
While called the Greenway, pedestrians won't see much green along the trail now. The next phase of the project will enhance and beautify 14 places along the trail which THEA is calling Pocket Parks.
"All along the Greenway are opportunities for Pocket Parks," according to Chrzan. "To put in public art, some more landscaping, just different kinds of things to bring this area to life."
The Greenway is located, for the most part, under the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway. Users will find plenty of shade, a breeze and protection from the afternoon summer showers.
For more information visit the Greenway page on the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority website.