The funding was part of more than $38 million in federal infrastructure investments going to communities in Northampton, Accomack, Chesterfield, Rockingham and Fairfax counties.
The federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant funds will be used in Harrisonburg to create safer routes for travelers in the downtown area, enhance area streetscape aesthetics and increase transportation and trail connectivity for community members and visitors.
The funding, announced by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner today, supports 100 percent of the project’s estimated cost with no matching city funds necessary at this time.
“Strong infrastructure – from roads and bridges to sidewalks and shared-use paths – is critical to helping Virginians get where they need to go and enjoy the great outdoors,” said the senators in a joint news release. “We’re proud to have helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that helped make these investments possible and look forward to seeing the positive impacts they’ll have on Virginia communities.”
Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed is grateful for the hard work of both senators to support Harrisonburg.
“This grant will make our downtown even safer for all visitors, no matter if they are walking, bicycling or driving,” said Reed. “We thank them both for all that they do for the people of The Friendly City.”
The Downtown Harrisonburg Streetscape and Mobility Transformation project includes:
- The transformation of one lane (starting at Noll Drive at Kratzer Avenue moving south down Liberty Street to Main Street) into two-way separated bicycle lanes, also known as a two-way cycle track, protected by a median separating the bike lanes from traffic.
- The median spaces may allow for green space use (installation of grass, gardens, etc.) in various locations supporting city environmental initiatives and programs.
- Installation of a connecting section of path from Grattan Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Way, where the Bluestone Trail begins and runs through James Madison University to Purcell Park.
- Upgrades at intersections, including replacing crosswalks and signal poles with decorative crosswalks and poles.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our local transportation infrastructure while making streets safer for all in our community,” Harrisonburg Director of Public Works Tom Hartman said. “Knowing that we will now be able to move forward on this project, thanks to the support from Senator Kaine and Senator Warner, will make a major difference for people looking to shop, live and work in our Downtown.”
The project was originally identified in the Harrisonburg Downtown 2040 Plan which looked at ways to improve Harrisonburg’s Downtown for the future.
Design work will begin in the coming weeks with construction currently estimated to take place in 2027.
For more information, visit HarrisonburgVA.gov
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Crystal Graham
