News Summary
Norfolk is starting construction on the Granby Street Bike Lane Project to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety. This initiative, funded by the City Council, includes new bike lanes and pedestrian safety features, aiming for completion in about ten months. Residents have expressed support for the project, which is expected to enhance the community’s cycling infrastructure and overall road safety. Additional plans may extend the bike lanes beyond the initial construction area.
Norfolk Begins Construction on Granby Street Bike Lane Project
Norfolk is set to begin construction on the Granby Street Bike Lane Project on Monday, September 8. This initiative has been a topic of discussion in the community for years, aiming to enhance safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians in the area.
The project will add bike lanes along Granby Street, specifically between Willow Wood Drive and Admiral Taussig Boulevard. Funding for the project was approved by the Norfolk City Council in 2022, amounting to $822,000. This funding was sourced from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2016.
Safety Measures and Traffic Adjustments
As construction commences, the speed limit on Granby Street will be reduced from 35 to 30 miles per hour to enhance safety for all road users. In addition to the bike lanes, the project will install new pedestrian safety beacons at key crossing sites, including Dumont Avenue, Elvin Road, Fife Street, Oxford Street, and Talbot Hall Road. These beacons are designed to alert drivers when pedestrians are preparing to cross the street, activating a red signal that will stop traffic.
Project Duration
The anticipated duration for the construction phase is approximately 10 months. Initial work will focus on sidewalk improvements in the Wards Corner area, with residents being able to dispose of their trash as usual during this time.
Community Support and Future Aspirations
The project has garnered support from local advocacy groups, with officials highlighting that the community has been working on the bike lane initiative for over a decade. One advocate noted that they frequently cycle on Granby Street and have experienced dangerous situations with vehicle traffic. There is a strong push for the inclusion of bike lanes to make Granby Street a safer transit route for cyclists.
Studies indicate that the addition of cycling infrastructure generally improves road safety for all users, making it a beneficial venture for the entire community. Following the completion of the initial construction, there are aspirations to extend the bike lanes further from Admiral Taussig Boulevard to Bayview Boulevard.
Current Cycling Infrastructure
Currently, Norfolk boasts 35.8 miles of bike lanes as part of its ongoing efforts to promote a bike-friendly environment. In alignment with these goals, the city will be celebrating National Bike Month in May, encouraging residents to engage in biking activities and promoting cycling as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Various events and programs are planned to support the community’s involvement in this initiative.
The Granby Street Bike Lane Project signifies a milestone in Norfolk’s commitment to enhancing transportation safety and promoting alternative transit options, making the city a more sustainable and welcoming place for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
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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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