News Summary
The Granby Street Bike Lane Project in Norfolk is set to begin its construction phase, aimed at improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Funded by a grant from VDOT, the project includes dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian safety beacons along Granby Street. The city council approved $822,000 for the initiative, which is expected to take about 10 months to complete. Community advocates express strong support for the project, highlighting years of advocacy for safer cycling routes.
Norfolk, Virginia – Construction for the Granby Street Bike Lane Project is set to commence on Monday, September 8. This long-awaited initiative aims to introduce dedicated bike lanes on Granby Street, a topic that has been a focal point of discussion among city planners and community members for several years.
The Norfolk City Council approved funding of $822,000 for this project, which comes from a grant received from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2016. The bike lanes will span Granby Street from Willow Wood Drive to Admiral Taussig Boulevard.
As construction progresses, the speed limit on Granby Street will be reduced from 35 to 30 miles per hour to enhance safety for all road users. The project is designed not only for cyclists but also aims to improve pedestrian safety through the installation of new pedestrian safety beacons at crucial crossing points. These safety beacons will be activated when pedestrians approach, stopping traffic with a red signal to allow safe crossings at Dumont Avenue, Elvin Road, Fife Street, Oxford Street, and Talbot Hall Road.
The anticipated timeline for the construction phase is approximately 10 months. The initial phase will begin with sidewalk work in the Wards Corner area. City residents can continue placing their trash as usual during the construction process, minimizing disruptions to daily routines.
Community leaders and advocates have expressed enthusiastic support for the bike lane project. The vice president of Bike Norfolk highlighted that the community has dedicated over a decade to the pursuit of safer cycling routes. Personal experiences of near-misses with vehicles while cycling on Granby Street underscore the necessity for this safety enhancement. Adding dedicated bike lanes and infrastructure is expected to improve overall road safety for all users, according to various studies.
Norfolk currently has a network of 35.8 miles of bike lanes as part of its mission to promote cycling and become a more bike-friendly city. Further expansions of the bike lane network are being considered, with advocates calling for an extension of the lanes from Admiral Taussig to Bayview Boulevard following the project’s completion.
The Granby Street Bike Lane Project aligns with broader initiatives taking place nationwide. National Bike Month, observed in May, encourages cycling as a viable mode of transportation and aims to motivate residents to partake in biking activities. Various events and programs are being planned for National Bike Month across the city to engage the community and highlight the benefits of environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
In summary, the construction of the Granby Street Bike Lane Project marks a significant step forward for bicycle safety and infrastructure in Norfolk. As the project evolves over the next several months, it aims to create safer roads for cyclists and pedestrians alike, fostering a culture of cycling within the community.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
