City of Roanoke announces renovation project for 9th Street SW

The City of Roanoke and the Gun Violence Prevention Commission, along with Elite Business Strategies, LLC, have announced they’re working together to reduce gun violence.

by: James Dalpino

Posted: Nov 17, 2023 / 12:32 PM EST

Updated: Nov 17, 2023 / 12:32 PM EST

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)—The City of Roanoke announced they will be renovating the city’s 9th Street SE scheduled to begin in late Nov.

According to the Complete Streets and Vision Zero Coordinator for the City of Roanoke Transportation Division Robert Issem, the replacements must follow the City’s “Complete Streets” policy. This policy requires Roanoke’s streets to be safe and functional for all users, supporting safe transportation.

Based on the Complete Streets Policy guidelines, when the pavement markings along 9th St. SE are reapplied, the following renovations for safety, equity, and accessibility are planned:

Safer Lane Widths: Narrower lanes will naturally reduce vehicle speeds, thereby decreasing the number and severity of crashes while increasing pedestrian safety.
On-Street Parking: The new marked parking lane along the west side of 9th Street from Highland Avenue SE to Buena Vista Blvd. SE will visually narrow the motor vehicle travel lane, resulting not only in improved parking for neighborhood residents but also reduced speeds and increased safety for those parking and driving.
Two-Way Mobility Track: This new feature on the east side of 9th Street will enhance safety, equity, and accessibility for scooters and bicycles, benefitting the estimated 165 households in the area that have no available vehicle. This will connect the 9th St. area to the Riverland segment of the Roanoke River Greenway.

“The City’s annual street repaving program revitalizes our streets and provides the opportunity to create more accessible transportation for all,” says Ian Coffey, Traffic Engineer for the City of Roanoke. “We hope that whether by foot or scooter, by bike or vehicle, you can find your way to enjoy safer and healthier transportation in the city.

This new renovation hopes to provide a safer route from the Southeast neighborhoods to the Roanoke River Greenway, according to City of Roanoke’s Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Clark.

To see the complete city streets policy, visit https://planroanoke.org/city-plan-2040/.