Staunton residents and BRITE bus commuters are set to benefit from significant improvements to the transit hub on North Lewis Street. For years, this location has served as a crucial center for BRITE Transit, operated by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC). Recognizing its importance, the CSPDC acquired the Lewis Street lot in 2021 to secure its future as a transit focal point. However, the existing lot had deteriorated over time, with bus traffic and drainage issues causing substantial potholes and general disrepair.
To address these issues and modernize the facility, the CSPDC successfully secured a competitive federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s Bus and Bus Facilities program. This funding, supplemented by matching funds from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), is enabling a complete transformation of the Lewis Street transit hub into a state-of-the-art facility.
The design phase, spanning from 2021 to 2024, involved collaboration between the CSPDC, DRPT, and engineers from Kimley-Horn and Associates. In early 2024, Virginia Infrastructure, Inc. was awarded the construction contract. The project is now underway, with the old asphalt being replaced with durable, long-lasting concrete.
The upgrades extend beyond just pavement. The renovated Lewis Street hub will feature a dedicated bus lane, a redesigned parking area, and brand-new ADA-compliant sidewalks with curb ramps and detectable warning plates. Enhanced safety lighting, conduits for future Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, and landscaping are also included in the plan. Furthermore, the existing shelters and benches will be refurbished and reinstalled, enhancing the comfort and usability of the hub. These comprehensive improvements promise to make the Lewis Street transit hub safer, more accessible, and a visually appealing asset for the City of Staunton and its community.
Construction is anticipated to last approximately four months, primarily within the Lewis Street lot, minimizing disruption to traffic on N. Lewis Street. Virginia Infrastructure, Inc., a Lexington-based, veteran-owned small business, is undertaking the construction, with oversight from a contracted construction management firm. The CSPDC is committed to utilizing local firms and sourcing materials locally whenever feasible for this project.
During the construction period, BRITE Transit operations will temporarily relocate to N. Augusta Street. Buses will utilize the angled parking spaces on N. Augusta Street, starting from Academy Street towards Frederick Street. These 19 angled parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable for personal and business vehicle parking. However, the remaining angled and parallel parking spots on the opposite side of N. Augusta Street will remain available, along with nearby on-street parking options. Transit services will continue to operate as normal from this temporary location. For detailed information regarding potential travel impacts, please refer to the FAQs.
The CSPDC, in partnership with the City of Staunton, is leading this vital project. For any inquiries or concerns during construction, please contact Ann Cundy, CSPDC’s Executive Director, at [email protected] or (540) 885-5174 ext. 116. The CSPDC appreciates the public’s patience as these improvements are made to enhance community safety and accessibility through upgraded transit options at the Lewis Street hub.
