Manhattan Avenue: Vasconia to Obispo Flood Relief Project Phase 1

10/17/25 UPDATE: Please remember that detours are now in place near South Manhattan Avenue for the South Manhattan Avenue Flood Relief Project.

One northbound lane will remain open during construction, however southbound drivers will need to follow the official detour (Bay to Bay to Dale Mabry to Euclid -- SEE MAP BELOW). TPD officers will be on site 24/7 for the first month of the project to help motorists adjust to the changes.

This project will install much larger stormwater pipes and more inlets along S. Manhattan between Vasconia and Obispo Streets to help reduce flooding in the area.

➡️Construction begins October 20 and is expected to wrap up in late 2026. Access to homes and businesses will remain open.

For the latest road closure information, visit: Tampa.gov/Road-Closures

This critical flood relief project includes the design and construction of a much improved drainage system along South Manhattan Avenue, from West Vasconia Street to West Obispo Street. Crews from Cathcart Construction will be installing stormwater pipes where none currently exist, and significantly upsizing existing ones, in some locations - more than doubling their capacity (example: replacing a 24in. pipe with a 42in. and 56in. pipe).  Additional inlets will also be added at all intersections.  Stormwater collected in these pipes will travel west along W. Vasconia to W. Cherokee Road ultimately discharging into the Spring Lake outfall. 

Simply put, this project will provide much better flood relief for nearby residents who’ve dealt with frequent street flooding during typical rainstorms.  This is also another important step forward in strengthening our city's resiliency. 

Watermain upgrades along the corridor will also be installed along with some wastewater improvements.  

Grant funding will pay for a large portion of the $6.9 million price tag, with nearly a million dollars coming from the federal government in community priority grants sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, and $2.75 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.  The rest will be funded via the Stormwater Improvement Assessment, an annual non-ad valorem assessment that funds new capital projects within the Central and Lower Improvement Area (south of Fletcher Avenue). 

Construction is expected to begin mid-October and should wrap up in late 2026.  Drivers and pedestrians in the area should follow all posted detour signs and always use extra caution in and around all work zones.  

Since Mayor Jane Castor took office in 2019, she has committed about $350 million in investments for stormwater maintenance and improvements in the City of Tampa.

For the latest road closure information, visit: Tampa.gov/road-closures 

NOTE: Phase 2 Manhattan: San Pedro to Bay to Bay is scheduled to begin in early 2027.  While similar, this second phase will use its own separate pipes and outfalls and will not connect physically to Phase 1.