News Summary
Norfolk is launching the Granby Street Bike Lane Project to enhance cycling safety and infrastructure. The project includes dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian safety beacons, aiming to improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Construction will take about 10 months, during which traffic regulations will change to ensure safety. The initiative has received community support and funding to foster a more bike-friendly environment in the city.
Norfolk Begins Construction on Granby Street Bike Lane Project
Norfolk, VA — Construction work on the long-anticipated Granby Street Bike Lane Project is set to commence on Monday, September 8. This project aims to enhance cycling infrastructure on Granby Street, a topic of ongoing community discussion and planning efforts for several years.
Project Details and Scope
The initiative involves the addition of dedicated bike lanes along Granby Street—specifically between Willow Wood Drive and Admiral Taussig Boulevard. Construction will also include pedestrian safety beacons at key crossing points, such as Dumont Avenue, Elvin Road, Fife Street, Oxford Street, and Talbot Hall Road. The primary goal of these safety features is to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing, with signals stopping traffic when activated, thereby improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Construction Timeline and Traffic Impact
The construction phase is expected to last approximately 10 months. During this period, the speed limit on Granby Street will be temporarily reduced from 35 to 30 miles per hour to enhance safety for both workers and road users. Residents and commuters should anticipate minor disruptions, particularly in the Wards Corner area, where sidewalk work will be completed as part of phase one of construction. Residents will be able to continue trash collection during this time as usual.
Funding and Budget
The project is funded through $822,000 approved by the Norfolk City Council in 2022, with financial resources received from Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2016. This funding serves as a significant step toward the city’s strategic plan to expand its bike infrastructure.
Community Support and Advocacy
The Bike Norfolk organization has expressed support for the project, with its vice president indicating that community members have been advocating for these improvements for over ten years. The project is particularly meaningful to cycling advocates and regular cyclists, such as one local cyclist who rides on Granby Street at least five times weekly and has experienced near-misses with traffic. Advocates emphasize that the new bike lanes will transform Granby Street into a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians.
Benefits and Future Considerations
Research indicates that adding dedicated cycling infrastructure enhances overall road safety for all users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Norfolk currently has approximately 35.8 miles of bike lanes and continues efforts to become a more bike-friendly city. There is also community interest in extending the bike lanes beyond the initial project scope, particularly from Admiral Taussig Boulevard to Bayview Boulevard.
Community Engagement and Upcoming Events
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Norfolk plans to celebrate National Bike Month in May, encouraging residents to participate in biking activities. The city is preparing multiple events and programs aimed at promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, supporting environmental goals and community health initiatives.
Summary
Construction on the Granby Street Bike Lane Project will begin in early September, marking a significant infrastructure upgrade in Norfolk aimed at increasing safety for cyclists and pedestrians while promoting environmentally friendly transportation. The project reflects ongoing city efforts to expand biking options and foster a safer, more connected community.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Granby Street Bike Lane Construction Begins
- Visit Norfolk: How to Celebrate National Bike Month
- WAVY: Granby St. Bike Lanes Enter Construction Phase
- WTKR: Norfolk Approves Funding for Bike Lanes
- Wikipedia: Bicycle Infrastructure
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