Risking Your Life Walking Down Fletcher? Help Is On The Way

For years, pedestrians and bicyclists have risked their lives to navigate heavily used Fletcher Avenue. 

However, a proposal by the county could make the road between Nebraska Avenue and 50th Street a whole lot safer.

At a recent Hillsborough County Commission meeting, Commissioner Les Miller bemoaned the high rate of deaths and injuries along that section of Fletcher frequented by low-income residents and students who don't own cars. 

Fletcher Avenue from Nebraska Avenue to 50th Street has one of the highest pedestrian crash rates in unincorporated Hillsborough County. More than 1,400 pedestrians cross Fletcher each day. 

Between 2006 and 2010, there were 63 pedestrian accidents in this section of Fletcher reported by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Of the 63 crashes, three were fatalities and 22 resulted in incapacitating injuries.

In response, the Hillsborough County Public Works Department has scheduled a public meeting on Wednesday, July 31 to discuss the "Complete Streets" project. The project will help improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the 3.1-mile segment from Nebraska Avenue to 50th Street.

The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the University Area Community Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa.

The proposed improvements include pedestrian refuge islands, mid-block pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes,and resurfacing of the existing pavement. In addition, a sidewalk is proposed for the south side of Fletcher between Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and 50th Street.

The estimated construction cost is $4.4 million including $2.5 million in federal funds provided by the Florida Department of Transportation through safety grants. Construction is expected to begin in August and be completed within a year. 

County staff will be at the meeting on July 31 to talk about the project and answer questions from residents.

For more information, call Steve Valdez, citizen services manager, 813-272-5275. 

For more information about the project, visit the Fletcher Ave. Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety project page on the Hillsborough County website.