News Summary
Virginia Beach’s 17th Street Improvement Project will revamp the corridor from Pacific Avenue to Cypress Avenue, focusing on upgrading utility lines, widening lanes, and adding bike and pedestrian facilities. Spanning over three years, the project aims to enhance safety, support economic growth, and modernize the historic district. Funded by the Tourism Investment Program, the initiative involves utility burial and infrastructure improvements, with community meetings planned to keep residents informed as construction begins.
Virginia Beach is set to undergo a substantial transformation as the 17th Street Improvement Project commences this October. This ambitious construction initiative aims to revitalize the 17th Street corridor from Pacific Avenue to Cypress Avenue, making significant enhancements to both infrastructure and safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. The project is expected to span a period of three and a half years, with a projected completion date of March 2029.
One of the project’s primary objectives is to address the aging water and sewer lines, many of which date back to the 1940s. By replacing these outdated utilities, the project aims to improve the overall functionality and safety of the corridor. Additionally, new traffic and pedestrian signals will be installed, alongside bike lanes to promote alternative modes of transportation. The current infrastructure, which includes narrow lanes that have raised safety concerns, will be significantly upgraded.
Under the current design, the central lanes on 17th Street measure only 10 feet wide, while outside lanes are a mere 7 feet wide. Such dimensions have made driving hazardous in the area, prompting urgent calls for action. The project will see the lanes widened to accommodate safer traffic flow. Business owners and local residents alike have expressed hope that these improvements will bolster economic activity in the region.
The project, comprising four phases, will likely result in periodic lane closures that could impact traffic patterns. However, local business leaders are optimistic that customers will continue to frequent their establishments during the construction period. Mark Stevens, owner of Zero’s Subs located at the Oceanfront, has specifically expressed enthusiasm about the improvements, particularly the removal of a long-standing broken utility pole outside his store, which has been an eyesore since he took over the location in 2013.
Key components of the project not only include the relocation of water lines but also the burial of overhead electric lines—an initiative aimed at enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal for both residents and visitors. Mark DesRoches, President of the 17th Street Gateway Association, has emphasized the project’s critical role in promoting public safety and facilitating economic growth in the area, which has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Funding for the major improvements will come from the Tourism Investment Program, drawing on various taxes collected from local hotels and meal services. This program is strategically designed to reinvest in the local community and improve infrastructure, thereby benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Nearly a century ago, 17th Street was established as a commercial district and a gateway to Virginia Beach’s scenic coastline. Much of the current infrastructure has its origins from that era, highlighting the importance of this improvement project in modernizing and enhancing the area for today’s needs. The addition of new bike lanes, bike racks, and signage for the nearby Vit Be Creative District are among the upgrades that will position 17th Street as a safer and more vibrant hub for both commercial activity and leisure.
In efforts to keep the community informed about the impending construction and its associated impacts, Emily Archer, Deputy Director of Economic Development, has noted that community meetings will be organized. These meetings will aim to educate residents and businesses about the timeline for the construction and potential street closures, ensuring everyone is prepared for the changes to come.
As the project gears up for an October start, the Virginia Beach community is encouraged to stay informed and prepare for the transformative enhancements that are set to take place along the bustling 17th Street corridor.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Roadway Improvements and Widening of 17th Street
- Pilot Online: Overhaul of 17th Street, Virginia Beach
- 13 News Now: Virginia Beach City Council Hears Atlantic Avenue Update
- Google Search: Virginia Beach 17th Street Improvement Project
- Wikipedia: Virginia Beach
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
