City of Huntsville secures $21M for Holmes Avenue revamp

Published on September 6, 2024

A $21.6 million federal grant will provide significant safety enhancements along a 3.25-mile stretch of Holmes Avenue between downtown and the campus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

The initiative also bolsters the City's efforts to create a multimodal transportation network through the busy corridor, which currently lacks essential safety features for cyclists and pedestrians. The project also aligns with the City's goal of zero roadway fatalities or serious injuries by 2055 through Vision Zero.

Specifically, planned improvements to Holmes Avenue include the installation of designated bike lanes or multiuse paths, crosswalks, continuous ADA-compliant sidewalks and roadway safety striping. The project will also enhance traffic signalization at intersections and railroad crossings, upgrade pedestrian safety lighting and introduce new, accessible bus stops with shelters.

"This project will make our UAH corridor safer for everyone, no matter how they travel," Mayor Tommy Battle said. "This significant investment underscores Huntsville's commitment to enhancing urban mobility and safety, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects in the region. We appreciate our federal partners for recognizing the need for this transformative project."