News Summary
Norfolk has commenced construction on the Granby Street Bike Lane Project, aiming to enhance cycling infrastructure. The project includes dedicated bike lanes from Willow Wood Drive to Admiral Taussig Boulevard, alongside pedestrian safety improvements. Funded by the city council and VDOT, the $822,000 initiative focuses on improving safety while temporarily reducing the speed limit. Community advocates emphasize the importance of dedicated bike lanes for cyclist safety, as Norfolk also prepares for National Bike Month events designed to promote biking as a sustainable transportation option.
Norfolk Begins Construction on Granby Street Bike Lane Project
Norfolk has officially launched construction on the Granby Street Bike Lane Project, marking a significant step toward enhancing cycling infrastructure within the city. The construction phase commenced on Monday, September 8, and is expected to continue for approximately ten months.
Project Overview and Location
The project focuses on adding dedicated bike lanes along Granby Street, a corridor that has been the subject of community discussions and planning for several years. Construction activities will primarily take place on a segment of Granby Street stretching from Willow Wood Drive to Admiral Taussig Boulevard. As part of safety improvements, the city will also implement pedestrian safety beacons at key crossing points, including Dumont Avenue, Elvin Road, Fife Street, Oxford Street, and Talbot Hall Road. These beacons are designed to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing, stopping traffic with a red signal when activated by pedestrians.
Funding and Budget Details
Funding for the project amounts to $822,000, approved by the Norfolk City Council in 2022. This financial support was made possible through funds received from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2016, illustrating the long-term planning and resource allocation for Norfolk’s cycling infrastructure improvements.
Traffic and Safety Measures
During construction, the speed limit along Granby Street will be temporarily reduced from 35 to 30 miles per hour to enhance safety for workers and travelers. The project’s overall goal is to improve safety for all modes of transportation — including cycling, walking, and driving — by creating safer, more accessible crossing points and adding designated bike lanes.
Community and Advocacy Perspectives
Michael Merritt, vice president of Bike Norfolk, highlighted ongoing community efforts that have taken more than a decade to bring the project to this stage. Merritt, who rides his bike along Granby Street at least five times weekly, has experienced close calls with vehicles, emphasizing the importance of dedicated bike lanes to facilitate safer cycling routes and reduce accidents. The addition of bike lanes is supported by studies showing that improved cycling infrastructure enhances overall safety for all road users.
Construction Phases and Community Impact
The first phase of construction includes sidewalk work, particularly in the Wards Corner area, with residents advised that they can continue normal trash collection during this period. City officials noted that the overall project is designed to minimize disruption while delivering long-term safety and mobility benefits.
Norfolk’s Cycling Infrastructure and Future Goals
Currently, Norfolk maintains approximately 35.8 miles of bike lanes and remains dedicated to expanding and improving its cycling network. The city’s investment aligns with broader initiatives aimed at promoting environmentally friendly transportation options and encouraging more residents to bike regularly.
National Bike Month and Community Engagement
Looking ahead to National Bike Month in May, Norfolk has planned various events and programs to celebrate cycling, promote biking as a sustainable transportation mode, and boost resident participation. These initiatives aim to foster a bicycle-friendly city atmosphere and continue progress toward safer, more connected communities.
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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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