The Purpose…
Growth requires growing pains. The City of Lynchburg is investing millions into downtown Lynchburg to upgrade its underground utility infrastructure and above-ground pedestrian and vehicular experience. From brand new waterlines to brick sidewalks and street art, we are committed to making Lynchburg an even better place to live, work, and play.
Phase IV Information & Resources
Currently, the City of Lynchburg is working on the fourth phase of the Downtown Renewal Project which will take place between 12th Street and the Lynchburg Expressway — one of the most utilized gateways to downtown Lynchburg. Construction is slated to start in June 2024 and is expected to last up to two years. Utility work, independent of the City, may start as early as April. This multi-phased project will replace and update water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. As utility work is completed, gateway beautification will begin by restoring each block with updated streetscape features that encourage an enhanced pedestrian and vehicular experience. Features will include new brick sidewalks, historically-designed streetlights, new trees and plantings, and redesigned parking and loading zone areas.
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History
The City of Lynchburg identified the need to replace downtown Lynchburg’s underground water utilities proactively. With waterlines dating to the mid-1800s and early-1900s, these upgrades are necessary for continued and sustained development in Downtown Lynchburg. According to the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA), the expected useable life of unlined cast iron pipe is 100 years. At the same time, it was decided that as long as we were disrupting businesses with construction, we should also provide an entirely new and beautiful above-ground experience for pedestrians and motorists.
Between Court Street and the James River, spanning Fifth Street to Thirteenth Street, fifty blocks were identified for renewal. The Downtown Renewal Project began in April 2016 and will continue until all phases are completed. Work was completed on portions of Main, Church, and Commerce Street with the remainder of Main Street, the 1200 block to the Expressway being next.
