Public Meeting: Liberty Street Protected Bike Lanes

What’s happening
Harrisonburg has secured $14.3 million in federal grant (RAISE) funding to transform Liberty Street and connect more of Downtown with safe, people-first mobility. The project—known as the Downtown Harrisonburg Streetscape & Mobility Transformation—will add a two-way protected cycle track, a 10-foot shared path linking Grattan St. to Martin Luther King Jr. Way and the Bluestone Trail, and major pedestrian safety upgrades (curb extensions, ADA-compliant ramps, enhanced crossings, signals, and accessible bus boarding).

It also includes (hopefully) green medians, intersection updates, driveway/access management for fewer conflict points, and utility upgrades—all building a safer, more welcoming Downtown.

This is the City’s Kickoff Open House for preliminary engineering. Designs will evolve with public input—this is your chance to shape them.

Why it’s important

• Safety first: Protected bike lanes, shorter crossings, and clearer intersections reduce crashes and near-misses for everyone—people walking, biking, rolling, riding transit, and driving.
• Connected city: A direct link to the Bluestone Trail means easier, low-stress trips between Downtown, JMU, and Purcell Park.
• Equity & access: ADA-compliant improvements and better bus stops make everyday travel more reliable for people of all ages and abilities.
• Vibrant Downtown: Green space, modern signals, and better sidewalks support local businesses and make Downtown more inviting.
• Fully funded build: The RAISE grant covers the current estimated cost at 100%, meaning no local match is required at this time.

What to expect at the Open House

• Learn the corridor concepts (cycle track, path connection, crossings, medians, signals).
• See how access/driveway changes can reduce conflict points and improve safety.
• Understand the timeline: Preliminary Engineering (2025–2026), Right-of-Way (2026–2027), Construction (2028–2029).
• Share feedback that will shape refinements block-by-block.

Who should come
Residents, students, families, business owners, Downtown workers, transit riders—anyone who wants safer, simpler ways to get around and a thriving Downtown.

How you can help

• Show up, ask questions, and share local knowledge.
• Bring a neighbor or a coworker.
• Tell the city what success looks like for your block or business.