The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has deactivated the Tampa Bypass Canal System along with the Hillsborough Flood Detention Area (HFDA), following a reduction in water levels in the Hillsborough River after Tropical Storm Debby.
Over the weekend, the District opened Structure S-155, situated north of Morris Bridge Road and east of I-75—visible from I-75 crossing the Hillsborough River. Concurrently, boat barriers are being removed today to resume navigation on the river.
Read: Tampa Traffic: North Habana Avenue Closure Starting Today
Initially activated on August 7 in response to the heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby, the Tampa Bypass Canal System was designed to mitigate river flooding threats to the cities of Temple Terrace and Tampa.
Constructed after the severe flooding from Hurricane Donna in 1960, the system includes the Lower Hillsborough Flood Detention Area (LHFDA) or Reservoir, the Tampa Bypass Canal, and the Harney Canal.
It works by impounding floodwaters from the Hillsborough River into the 16,000-acre HFDA. Water from the river and the adjacent 450-square-mile watershed is collected in the reservoir and then channeled into the 15.7-mile long Tampa Bypass Canal, which contains five flood control structures. This canal system safely diverts the water to McKay Bay, thus protecting the nearby cities from flooding.
Read: Tampa Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Leesburg Man On SR-674 In Early Morning Accident
The Tampa Bypass Canal not only offers flood control but also acts as a crucial water supply source, meeting the drinking water requirements of the Tampa Bay area.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.