A major improvement to one of Tampa Bay’s most recognizable recreational trails is moving closer to completion as the Florida Department of Transportation continues work on a new pedestrian overpass along the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

The approximately $15 million project is designed to improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between Clearwater and the Courtney Campbell Trail. The Business Journals

Trail Temporarily Closes for Construction

Beginning Sept. 21, a section of the Courtney Campbell Causeway Pedestrian Trail between Bayshore Boulevard and Dr. Kiran C. Patel Boulevard closed for approximately 14 days, weather permitting.

The temporary closure allows crews to install overhead structures associated with the new pedestrian overpass. Advanced warning signs have been installed to alert cyclists, runners and pedestrians. FDOT Tampa Bay

Construction on the overall project is expected to be completed in late 2026. FDOT Tampa Bay

New Overpass Improves Trail Connectivity

The project centers around a new pedestrian overpass across State Road 60/Gulf to Bay Boulevard, east of Bayshore Boulevard.

The overpass creates a dedicated connection between the Bayshore trail system and the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, eliminating the need for trail users to navigate the busy roadway at street level. FDOT Tampa Bay

The project also includes a shaded area where pedestrians and cyclists can stop and enjoy views of the water, adding another amenity to the heavily traveled recreational corridor. The Business Journals

Part of a Larger Tampa Bay Trail Network

The Courtney Campbell Trail already serves as an important connection between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, providing a recreational route across Tampa Bay alongside the causeway.

Its importance could grow further as regional agencies work toward connecting existing trails into larger systems.

Plans for the Florida Gulf Coast Trail envision approximately 420 miles of connected trails stretching from the Tampa Bay area south toward Naples. Regional planning efforts also envision eventually connecting the Courtney Campbell corridor with the new pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure at the Howard Frankland Bridge. Creative Loafing Tampa

Those connections could make Tampa Bay’s trail network increasingly useful not only for recreation but also for transportation and connectivity between major employment, residential and commercial areas.

Infrastructure Investment Continues Across Tampa Bay

The Courtney Campbell project is another example of transportation investment occurring throughout the Tampa Bay region as population growth drives demand for better connections between communities.

While significantly smaller than the region’s major highway projects, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure can contribute to the appeal of surrounding neighborhoods and commercial districts by improving accessibility and recreational amenities.

Once completed, the new overpass will provide a safer and more seamless connection along one of Tampa Bay’s most prominent waterfront corridors.