STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — The ongoing Downtown Tunnel Repairs project in Staunton will enter its next major phase the week of September 28.

Construction crews will shift operations from Byers Street to West Johnson Street, bringing significant changes to downtown traffic and parking patterns.

As part of the transition, Byers Street, which has been closed to through traffic since March 2025, will officially reopen to one-way, eastbound traffic. This newly opened route will serve as a critical detour for the area. The same week, West Johnson Street will close in front of a portion of the Johnson Street Parking Garage to allow for the excavation and replacement of a section of the aging stormwater tunnel beneath the roadway.

During the Johnson Street phase, which is scheduled for completion in Spring 2027, the following traffic patterns will be in effect:

  • Johnson Street will be closed to westbound traffic at Augusta Street, and closed to eastbound traffic just beyond the entrance to the Johnson Street Parking Garage.
  • Byers Street will operate as a one-way eastbound detour (from Lewis Street to Johnson Street).
  • Central Avenue will remain open to vehicular traffic.
  • Johnson Street (Open Section): The open section of Johnson Street between Central Avenue and Augusta Street will become a one-way eastbound route.
  • Pedestrian Access: Safe pedestrian access will be maintained to the Wharf from Central Avenue and the garage entrance.

Important Parking Information
While overall downtown parking capacity will actually increase during this phase (approximately 25 more available spaces than during Byers Street phase), the City is advising residents and visitors to anticipate a brief one-to-two day window during the week of September 28 where the majority of the Wharf parking lot will be temporarily off-limits.

This short-term disruption is necessary to allow crews to safely move heavy machinery, materials, and barricades from the Byers Street site over to the new Johnson Street staging area. Once the equipment shift is complete, the eastern portion of the Wharf Parking Lot will reopen to the public.  The lower section of the western portion of the Wharf Parking Lot will remain open.  Parking in the Wharf lot and the Johnson Street Garage will continue to remain free during this time.

For the latest timelines, a visual guide to the detours, and more information visit www.staunton.va.us/tunnelrepairs.