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Tampa city leaders working to make 34th Street safer and more beautiful

They hope to make it look similar to Bayshore Blvd
Posted at 7:40 AM, Feb 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-21 08:24:16-05

TAMPA, Fla. — The City of Tampa Transportation and Stormwater Services Department is currently constructing the 34th Street Safety Improvements from Columbus Drive to Hillsborough Avenue to reduce crashes.

But, there are also other efforts underway to make the area more beautiful.

In a review of city-wide fatal and incapacitating injury crashes from 2009 to 2011, this section of 34th Street was identified as having 14 such crashes, making it a candidate for Highway Safety Improvement Program Funds.

This improvement projects consist of constructing three roundabouts at the intersections of 21st Avenue, Lake Avenue and Osborne Avenue, as well as adding measures to calm traffic and enhanced pedestrian facilities along the corridor.

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The Tampa Electric Company is also designing enhanced street lighting.

The medians for roundabouts are great spaces to utilize for beautification, according to city documents. City leaders are looking to have some of the same qualities on 34th Street that people find on Bayshore Boulevard.

The East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency will be working with the neighborhood and the City's Art and Cultural Affairs Department to add landscaping and public art to the medians of the roundabouts after the initial construction is complete.

The roundabouts and associated beautification will provide much-needed safety improvements while also providing opportunities to enhance the corridor's character.

The safety improvements started in January 2020, and officials expect them to finish in May 2021, according to city documents.