Downtown Streetscape Enhancement

Advertisement for Bids

The Town of Strasburg is now accepting bids for the Streetscape project.  Click here to view the advertisement and click on the link to access the bid documents and plans: http://goo.gl/KFRWG.

Updated Information

Based on the direction provided by the Town Council at their July 2 work session, the information found below under "Frequently Asked Questions" has been updated.

Council Decides on Project Design and Phasing

On Monday, July 2, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. the Town Council held a work session to discuss the project design and phasing.  Residents and business owners attended the meeting and provided valuable input.  At the meeting, the Council provided the following direction to staff:

1. To remove the landscape island in front of the Strasburg Museum, and replace with additional landscaping and other amenities to help beautify this area.
2. To propose landscaping and other amenities on the west end of the project to possibly replace the landscape island in front of Handy Mart.
3. To remove the bump-out on the south side of King Street, west of the intersection with Acton Place.
4. To begin the first phase of construction on the area between Fort Street and Holliday Street.

Staff will be working with the project designers over the next few weeks to revise the plans, which will then be brought back before the Council for consideration.

What is the Streetscape Enhancement Project?

The Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Project is part of an overall economic development effort by the Town to revitalize Downtown Strasburg.  The project was originated by Hometown Strasburg, a Virginia Main Street affiliate, and will revitalize the King Street (Route 11) corridor by installing new:

• Concrete and brick paver sidewalks;

• ADA-compliant crosswalks with pedestrian safety features;

• Street trees suited to an downtown urban area;

• Curb and gutter; and,

• Historic-style street lamps and signs.

The project area includes King Street (Route 11) from Capon Street on the west to the Strasburg Museum on the east.

Click here to view the project information brochure.

Streetscape Enhancement Bump-out Tests

On Thursday, May 10 the Town conducted many turning tests around the bump-outs proposed for the Streetscape Enhancement project. A school bus, tractor trailer, and fire apparatus were used to make the turns. Click here to view a video of the tests.

Renderings of Project

The Town's design engineer has prepared several renderings of the proposed project to assist in showing how the project will appear.  A link to the full site plans is also provided.

Rendering #1 (view of King/Holliday intersection looking north)

Rendering #2 (close up of bump-outs and crosswalk pattern at King/Holliday intersection)

Rendering #3 (elevated view looking west from King/Holliday intersection)

Site Plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How much is the project going to cost, and from where will the money come?

The total project cost is estimated at $2.3 million.  Funding for the project will come from the Federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) program administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and from the Town of Strasburg’s General Fund.  Participation in the Transportation Enhancement program will allow the Town to only be responsible for a portion of the overall cost of the project while reaping the full benefits from completing these important improvements.  The TE program will pay for 80 percent of the project or $1.84 million, and the Town is responsible for 20 percent of the project or $460,000.  The 20 percent for which the Town is responsible may be achieved through “in-kind” contributions such as volunteer labor and donated materials.  To date, the Town has been awarded $665,500 through the TE program.

Will the project cause businesses to close during construction?

No.  The contractor who is ultimately awarded the project will be required to work with existing businesses to maintain access to all buildings.  The Town is committed to ensuring that access to our downtown businesses is maintained during all construction activities.

UPDATED:  How many parking spaces will be lost, and from where?

There are currently 128 parking spaces along King Street in the project area, and under the proposed plan this number will remain the same – no parking spaces will be lost.  Three spaces will be added in the core of downtown between Sharpe Street and Massanutten Street.  The following table includes details about existing and proposed parking spaces on King Street in the project area:

What are bump-outs, and why are they included in the project?

Bump-outs, or curb extensions, help provide additional sidewalk space for safe pedestrian movement to and from the sidewalks and streets.  In some locations, such as at the intersection of King and Holliday, curb extensions are required to accommodate ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.  Bump-outs, or curb extensions, also:

• Improve safety for pedestrians and motorists at intersections;

• Increase visibility of pedestrians to approaching motor vehicles;

• Encourage pedestrians to cross at designated locations;

• Provide an excellent place to locate street signs for improved visibility;

• Prevent motor vehicles from parking at intersection corners, which is prohibited by law;

• Shorten crossing distance and reduce pedestrian exposure to vehicles; and,

• Provide additional space for light poles, signs, trees, and other landscape amenities.

Will the bump-outs restrict the flow of traffic?

No.  The proposed bump-outs do not change the width of the vehicle travel lanes on King Street or any of the cross streets.  The bump-outs have been carefully designed to not impede the flow of traffic; however, they may have the effect of slowing fast-moving vehicles at crosswalks in order to provide for safer pedestrian movement.

Will the existing Bradfort Pear trees be removed and, if so, what trees will be planted in their place?

Yes, all existing street trees will be removed as they are not appropriate for a compact urban environment like King Street.  The plans propose utilizing Shademaster Honey Locust, Sweetgum, Armstrong Maple, and Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry trees.  The Town is working with a professional landscape architect to carefully place each tree in an appropriate location that will allow for future growth and enjoyment.

What is the status of the project?

The project is currently in the last stages of design and is awaiting final plan approval by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Town.  After the plans are approved, the Town can proceed with bidding and construction.

When and where will construction begin?

The Town anticipates proceeding with the bidding and construction portion of the first phase of the project in the fall of 2012.  Property owners and businesses in the project area will be notified prior to the commencement of construction.  The first phase of the project will take place on both sides of King Street between Fort and Holliday Streets.

How long will construction last?

Construction on the first phase of the project will likely take between 6 and 9 months to complete, depending on many factors such as weather.  The entire project will be a multi-year endeavor as funding for the full project has not yet been received.  However, the Town will only begin construction when it has sufficient funds to complete construction of an entire phase of the project.

Whom can I contact with questions and comments about the project?

Questions and comments about the project should be directed to Judson Rex, Town Manager, at 540-465-9197 or jrex@strasburgva.com.