Granby Street in Norfolk, VA, is on the cusp of a significant transformation, promising enhanced safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians alike. After years of meticulous planning and community engagement, the Granby Street Bike Lanes project is moving into its much-anticipated construction phase. Streetsounds.net is excited to bring you the latest updates on this initiative that will reshape how residents navigate this key Norfolk corridor.
Project Overview: More Than Just Bike Lanes on Granby Street
This comprehensive project, stretching along Granby Street from Willow Wood Drive to Admiral Taussig Boulevard, is not solely about adding bike lanes. It’s a holistic approach to improving multimodal transportation and pedestrian safety within Norfolk. The initiative, spearheaded by the City of Norfolk Department of Transportation, involves repurposing existing vehicle lanes to create dedicated bike paths in each direction. This crucial infrastructure upgrade aims to encourage cycling as a viable transportation option while ensuring the safety of all road users.
Beyond the bike lanes themselves, the project incorporates vital safety augmentations at key intersections along Granby Street. Recognizing the need to protect pedestrians, the city is investing in the design and installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at five intersections: Dumont Avenue, Elvin Road, Fife Street, Oxford Street, and Talbot Hall Road. These beacons will serve as clear alerts to drivers when a pedestrian is preparing to cross, significantly increasing visibility and safety.
Furthermore, a pedestrian hybrid beacon will be implemented. This advanced safety measure will bring traffic to a complete stop with a red signal when activated by a pedestrian, offering an even safer crossing environment, particularly at busier points along Granby Street.
Construction Timeline and What to Expect on Norfolk’s Granby Street
The project officially entered the construction bidding phase on January 31, 2025, signaling tangible progress after years of development. Bids were accepted in late February, and the City of Norfolk Department of Transportation is currently in the process of reviewing and verifying these bids to finalize a contract with a chosen contractor. While an exact start date is pending contract finalization, construction is anticipated to commence in Spring.
Image: Project map highlighting the designated area for the Granby Street Bike Lanes, spanning between Willow Wood Drive and Admiral Taussig Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia.
Residents and commuters in the Granby Street area of Norfolk should anticipate notifications from the Department regarding any potential impacts on traffic and surrounding neighborhoods as construction gets underway. These notifications will be disseminated through various channels, ensuring the public is well-informed about the evolving phases of the project.
Community Collaboration: Shaping the Future of Granby Street, Norfolk VA
The Granby Street Bike Lanes project is a testament to collaborative planning between the City of Norfolk and its community. Dating back to 2021, the City of Norfolk Department of Transportation actively engaged with residents to shape the project’s vision. Through workshops, surveys, and public meetings, community input has been central to the design and development process.
Public outreach has been a cornerstone of this project, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the Norfolk community are addressed. Multiple rounds of public engagement, including virtual workshops in March and June 2021, and an in-person open house in September 2021, provided platforms for residents to voice their opinions and contribute to the project’s design. These efforts underscore the City’s commitment to creating a Granby Street that serves the entire community.
