Construction on $43 million infrastructure improvement project in Virginia Beach will begin on Monday leading to some traffic headaches in the region for the next four years. The result, however, will be a vibrant entrance to the city’s Oceanfront that is more accessible for residents and visitors.
The streetscape project aims to revitalize the 17th Street/Virginia Beach Boulevard corridor to provide connectivity from the Oceanfront to areas including the ViBe Creative District, the Sports Center and businesses along Atlantic and Pacific avenues.
Infrastructure in the area was installed nearly a century ago and has far outlived its lifespan. The city plans to address issues including deteriorating pavement, outdated utilities, flooding issues, narrow lanes and sidewalks.
“The work is urgently needed,” Emily Archer, the city’s deputy director of economic development told WAVY. “The infrastructure here dates back to the late 1930s and 1940s. By investing now, we’re ensuring this vital corridor remains safe, resilient and vibrant for decades to come.”
The project is broken down into four phases with completion in March 2029.
Planned infrastructure improvements
- New water, sewer and stormwater systems
- Underground power lines
- Wider sidewalks and travel lanes
- Modern, more efficient LED lighting
- Dedicated bike lanes
- New landscaping and trees
- ViBe District identifiers
- Safer crosswalks and updated signals
Phase one is funded through the city’s Tourism Investment Program, or TIP. Phase one looks to address underground water and sewer improvements and is expected to take six months. During phase one, one block and intersection will be closed at a time. Detours will be in place along 21st and 22nd Streets. The initial phased road closures and traffic shifts will run through Dec. 23.
ICYMI
- The Dome: 5,000-person music hall to open May 4 at Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- $350M project that will transform Virginia Beach Oceanfront to open next spring
A 5,000-person music hall, The Dome, opened in May in the area of 18th and 20th streets in Virginia Beach. The $350 million Atlantic Park project, spearheaded by Pharrell Williams, includes a surf park, retail and office space, parking and luxury apartment homes.
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Crystal Graham
