17th Street Capital Improvement Projects
17th Street Capital Improvement Projects
Background
Rehabilitation of the 17th Street corridor is a critical component in the success of the Central Beach Entertainment District development and has been identified as a need in the Resort Area Strategic Action Plan 2030 and in the first Resort Area Strategic Action Plan 2008.
Following the establishment of the ViBe Creative District in 2015, a Connectivity Plan was completed, further refining the vision for the 17th Street corridor through the ViBe Creative District. The corridor serves as one of several vehicular priority streets providing a direct connection and gateway to the oceanfront from all points west.
This project will facilitate the redevelopment of local businesses and make the area more accessible and attractive for future redevelopment. Work will be conducted year-round. The ViBe businesses located along this corridor will be open throughout construction.
The City of Virginia Beach held a webinar in November 2020 to update residents, businesses and property owners on 17th Street/Virginia Beach Boulevard regarding the 17th Street Capital Improvement Projects (Phase I and Phase II). The webinar was an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the projects. You can view the webinar presentation.
17th Street corridor improvements from Pacific Avenue and Birdneck Road will be implemented in two phases and include various enhancements:
Funding for capital improvements was allocated in the FY 2016-17 CIP budget for preliminary design, and additional funds were approved in the FY 2019-20 CIP budget for design and construction (CIP# 100001). This project will enhance corridor connectivity and aesthetics by implementing an 80-foot typical section that includes wide sidewalks, street trees, bicycle lanes, traffic signals, curb and gutter, four lanes of traffic, and utility and accessibility upgrades. Full construction design is in progress, with construction scheduled to start as early as fall 2025.
Design funding for Phase II, from Cypress Avenue to Birdneck Road, was adopted in the FY 2019-20 CIP budget (CIP# 100002) to determine the full scope and cost of the necessary improvements. A preliminary engineering study for Phase II was completed in December 2021.