HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Harrisonburg Public Works will be hosting a forum on the Liberty Street improvement project on Tuesday, May 19, from 4:30 to 6:30pm.

The forum will take place in City Hall Council Chambers and will allow community members to share their thoughts.

Those who attend will also be able to review the latest design plans and ask questions, in addition to provided feedback.

An online feedback form also will be available from May 19 through June 2 for those unable to attend in person.

Originally announced in 2023, the project is supported by a $14.3 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant and was identified as a priority in the Harrisonburg Downtown 2040 Plan.

Planned improvements include:

  • A separated two-way cycle track along Liberty Street and Noll Drive.
  • A new shared-use path on Main Street from Grattan Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
  • Upgraded intersections with curb extensions, ADA-compliant curb ramps, pedestrian signals and enhanced
    crosswalks.
  • Bus stop bays with accessible boarding areas.
  • Streetscape and landscaping improvements, including specialty paving, site furnishings and new trees.
  • Replacement of aging water lines and upgrades to select sanitary sewer lines.

“This project is an exciting step forward for Downtown,” Harrisonburg Public Works Director Tom Hartman said. “We encourage community members to come out, learn more and share their input as we continue shaping a space that works for everyone.”

The project is currently in the engineering phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028.

Additional materials from the public hearing will be posted online following the event.