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 City of Virginia Beach held a webinar in November 2020 to update residents, businesses and property owners located on 17th Street/Virginia Beach Boulevard regarding the 17th Street Capital Improvement Project (Phase I and Phase II). The webinar was an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the projects.
This project will facilitate the redevelopment of local businesses and make the area more accessible and appealing for future redevelopment. Work will be conducted year-round. The ViBe businesses located along this corridor will be open throughout construction.
Project at a Glance
17th Street corridor improvements from Pacific Avenue and Birdneck Road will be implemented in two phases and include various enhancements:
- Widening the roadway.
- Adding bike lanes.
- Replacing sidewalks and improving crosswalks.
- Improving stormwater drainage.
- Adding Police cameras.
- Adding landscaping enhancements.
Capital improvement funding was made available in FY 2016-17 CIP budget for preliminary design and additional funding was adopted in the FY 2019-20 CIP budget for design and construction (CIP# 100001). This project will provide essential corridor connectivity and improved aesthetics through the implementation of an 80-foot typical section consisting of wide sidewalks, street trees, bicycle lanes, traffic signals, curb and gutter, four lanes of traffic, and utility and accessibility upgrades. Full construction design is underway with construction beginning as early as fall of 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 improvements needed. A preliminary engineering study for Phase II was completed in December 2021.
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