Newport News to invest $12 million to improve pedestrian safety
Newport News will soon invest nearly $12 million to improve pedestrian roadway crossings citywide.
On Tuesday, City Council unanimously passed a resolution giving the city manager the go ahead to partner with the state and the Virginia Department of Transportation for the Highway Safety Improvement Program grant funded citywide pedestrian safety improvements project.
The project includes pedestrian crossing improvements for approximately 79 locations at intersections throughout the city. The primary focus is installing or upgrading pedestrian buttons and signals at existing crossings and updating ramps for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
Craig Galant, the city’s director of engineering, said in an emailed statement that the ramps are beneficial for a variety of special needs residents, not just individuals who use wheelchairs.
“The impetus for the project isn’t a single event or issue,” Galant said. “To best meet the needs of the public, the city has a near-constant flow of pedestrian-related projects. These projects will utilize new technologies and physical improvements as well as filling gaps in our sidewalk network.”
The total project will cost $11.97 million for preliminary engineering, right of way and utilities, and construction.
The VDOT Highway Safety Improvement Program grant will pay for the project. The grant allows the city to be reimbursed for costs, which would be covered through 90% federal, and 10% state funding. While the reimbursements would cover the entire $11.97 million, the city would be responsible for any excess costs.
The Daily Press asked the city if there was crash data the city used when applying for funding. Galant said “grant funds that target pedestrian improvements do not require hard data, the potential for crash reduction is sufficient to evaluate proposed projects.”
The city plans to advertise for bid this month, start construction in July or August and have construction wrap up by May or June of 2025.
Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com.
