By Kathlene Grauberger, Transportation Planner II
HRTPO staff regularly highlights a project that is currently being implemented within the Hampton Roads region. The City of Virginia Beach is currently creating a bicycle and pedestrian trail with its Phase III Thalia Creek Greenway project.
Thalia Creek, while providing a scenic buffer between Town Center of Virginia Beach and nearby neighborhoods, has also restricted pedestrian and bicycle access to the continually growing mixed use Town Center area. Phase I of the project was completed in 2011 by adding a trail and footbridge with LED lighting for nighttime safety. Phase II is now complete and includes a boardwalk along Thalia Creek.
Phase III of the project consists of the construction of a bicycle and pedestrian facility that will provide more connectivity to and around the Town Center area. With the completion of this last phase, Town Center will provide an urban greenway to its residents that will not only allow access to the natural beauty of Thalia Creek, but it will also allow active transportation accessibility for bicycles and pedestrians. Urban greenways are being developed within city networks to set aside areas for recreational use, environmental protection, and to enhance a city’s mixed-use surroundings.
The Thalia Creek Greenway project is part of the City’s overall efforts to provide active transportation connections to neighborhoods and destinations and enhance safety for bicycle and pedestrian users.
The total cost estimate is approximately $4,221,932 and construction is set to begin in July 2024 with an estimated completion date of July 2025.
To learn more about the project, use the direct link below:
https://www.hrtpo.org/DocumentCenter/View/7297/UPC_107956_Thalia_Creek_Greenway_Phase_III-PDF.
To view other projects in the region, visit the Hampton Roads Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) webpage at https://www.hrtpo.org/517/FY-2024-2027-TIP-Report-Document.
Source: HRTPO, City of Virginia Beach