A major construction project kicks off today in downtown Tampa.
And it will have an impact on downtown commuters on and around E Tyler Street and E Cass Street for at least three months.
The projects are part of the InVision Tampa Center City plan, a sweeping master plan to reshape downtown from Ybor City on the east to Armenia Avenue on the west.
According to InVision developers, the project will create a community of livable neighborhoods and connected people with a focus on the Hillsborough River through downtown.
To start, the city is putting a new water pipeline that will eventually run from the David L. Tippin Water Treatment facility into South Tampa. With years of construction and development starting downtown ahead, city officials say there is a need to maintain water pressure and properly working fire hydrants.
Cass and Tyler streets will be converted from one-way to two-way streets. Also, a barrier-separated cycle track will be added from E Cass to Nebraska Avenue.
Making the streets two-way helps restore the downtown street grid.
City officials stress the project is in its first stage and that this will be a lengthy process.