News Summary
Norfolk is set to begin construction on the Granby Street Bike Lane Project, enhancing cycling infrastructure to promote safer transportation. The project aims to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians, reducing the speed limit on Granby Street during construction and installing pedestrian safety beacons. With strong community support, the initiative reflects a growing commitment to cycling as a viable mode of transportation and seeks to address longstanding concerns about cycling safety in the area.
Norfolk is set to commence the construction of the Granby Street Bike Lane Project on Monday, September 8. This initiative, which has been under discussion in the city for several years, aims to enhance cycling infrastructure on Granby Street to promote safer transportation options for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
In 2022, the Norfolk City Council approved funding amounting to $822,000, which was received from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2016 for this bike lanes project. The construction will specifically take place on Granby Street between Willow Wood Drive and Admiral Taussig Boulevard. To facilitate the project, the speed limit on Granby Street will be reduced from 35 to 30 miles per hour during the construction period.
The bike lane project is designed not only to improve safety for cyclists but also to make Granby Street safer for all modes of transportation. As part of the initiative, new pedestrian safety beacons will be installed at key crossing locations including Dumont Avenue, Elvin Road, Fife Street, Oxford Street, and Talbot Hall Road. These beacons will alert drivers when pedestrians are preparing to cross Granby Street, effectively stopping traffic with a red signal when activated.
Support from the community has been significant over the years, with local advocates emphasizing the importance of cycling safety. For many, cycling on Granby Street has been an ongoing concern, with some reporting near-misses with vehicles. The need for dedicated bike lanes has become increasingly pressing as residents aim to create safer transit routes for cyclists. Studies suggest that the addition of cycling infrastructure improves overall road safety for all users, reinforcing the project’s importance.
The construction duration is projected to last approximately 10 months. Initial work will focus on the sidewalk in the Wards Corner area, allowing residents to maintain their regular trash disposal routines despite ongoing construction. Beyond the immediate construction plans, community advocates are expressing a desire for an extension of the bike lanes, with suggestions to extend them further from Admiral Taussig to Bayview Boulevard.
Currently, Norfolk has 35.8 miles of bike lanes and is actively working towards becoming more bike-friendly. This aligns with broader national efforts to promote cycling as a viable mode of transportation, especially with National Bike Month occurring in May. This event aims to encourage greater community participation in biking activities, supporting environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The city has planned multiple events and programs for National Bike Month, further engaging residents in biking initiatives and promoting a safer and more inclusive transportation network.
Overall, the Granby Street Bike Lane Project stands as a significant step forward for Norfolk, addressing longstanding community concerns and contributing to the city’s efforts in enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
