HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Outdoor enthusiasts in Hillsborough County will need to adjust their routes starting this week. A popular stretch of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail is shutting down temporarily to fix infrastructure still reeling from the double punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
County officials announced that crews will begin replacing a large, damaged culvert beneath the trail on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
The closure impacts the section running east of Sheldon Road and just north of the Channel A waterway, near West Waters Avenue. If you frequent this route, expect barriers; the work zone will be clearly marked, and no foot or bike traffic will be allowed to pass through the construction area until the project is finished.
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While the county aims to wrap things up within a few weeks, officials noted that the exact timeline could shift depending on the weather and how smoothly the repairs go.
For those looking to hop on the trail nearby, the closest open trailheads are located at 9201 W. Waters Ave. and 10338 Wilsky Blvd. There are also several neighborhood access points tucked between those main lots that remain accessible.
The Upper Tampa Bay Trail is a staple for Northwest Hillsborough, winding through a mix of suburbs and natural areas. It’s a heavy-traffic spot for cyclists, runners, and walkers, so the closure—though necessary for safety—is likely to disrupt the routines of many locals for the rest of the month.
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