HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – An open house meeting will take place Wednesday, December 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 409 S. Main St., where Harrisonburg Public Works staff will highlight a streetscape and mobility transformation project planned for Downtown.

The project, announced in summer of 2023 and supported by a $14.3 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant, will reportedly convert one lane (starting at Noll Drive at Kratzer Avenue, moving south down Liberty Street to Grattan Street) into two-way separated bicycle lanes, also known as a two-way cycle track (pictured at right), among other improvements.

According to a release, the open house will provide an opportunity for community members, business owners and other stakeholders to learn more about the project, view concept plans and speak directly with City staff about the proposed improvements.

“This project is an exciting step forward for Downtown,” Harrisonburg Public Works Director Tom Hartman said. “By improving safety and accessibility for everyone, we are creating a more vibrant Downtown for everyone who lives, works and visits here – while supporting a more walkable and welcoming environment for all who use this area.”

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.
    Liberty Street in Downtown Harrisonburg will be transformed with new sidewalks,
    bike lanes, streetscape enhancements and improved accessibility as part of the
    upcoming project, supported by a federal RAISE grant.
  • Streetscape and landscaping improvements, including specialty paving, site furnishings and new trees.
  • Replacement of aging water lines and upgrades to select sanitary sewer lines

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2028, following completion of design and right-of-way acquisition. The City will continue to gather public input throughout the process, including during a formal public hearing in spring 2026.