Norfolk backs Tide extension, seeks funds for transportation projects

NORFOLK — Plans for intersection improvements, pedestrian and bicycle upgrades and the extension of Norfolk’s light rail system got the backing Tuesday of the City Council.

Members unanimously adopted a resolution seeking $80 million in state Smart Scale funds for 12 “high priority” transportation projects. It also passed a resolution in support of Hampton Roads Transit’s $40 million request for state funding to extend The Tide, Norfolk’s light rail system, to Military Circle mall.

The Virginia Department of Transportation ranks and selects projects based on how likely they are to improve safety, reduce congestion, increase accessibility, contribute to economic development, promote efficient land use and impact the environment.

Bike and pedestrian improvements account for three-quarters of the projects the city is pursuing.

One project would fund bike improvements on a 3-mile stretch of Ocean View Boulevard between 1st View Street and Cape View Avenue. Another would add pedestrian improvements along a one-mile stretch of Chesapeake Boulevard between Little Creek Road and Fishermans Road. Another would add pedestrian and bike improvements on several streets in Berkley-Campostella.

Norfolk also wants intersection improvements at Brambleton Avenue and Tidewater Drive and road improvements along a halfmile stretch of Virginia Beach Boulevard.

Bike and pedestrian safety has become a priority for the city in recent years in response to rising pedestrian deaths. Council members adopted a plan in 2019 to reduce pedestrian traffic deaths. But while the city has taken steps to improve crosswalks and lower speed limits in some neighborhoods, pedestrian deaths have reached near record levels in 2022.

The council also is backing a request from Hampton Roads Transit to extend Norfolk’s light rail system by about 2 miles from its endpoint at Newtown Road to Military Circle mall.

The extension would create two new stations, one at Sentara Leigh Hospital and another at a planned mixed-use, revitalization of the mall site with a potential arena. The city and its economic development authority are considering three proposals. Two have plans for an arena with more than 15,000 seats that would be served by light rail.

The expansion is anticipated to cost between $300 and $400 million. Hampton Roads Transit officials have said around half of the project’s funding will come from federal funding.

The remaining gap in funds will be financed “through other sources of federal, local and private funding,” city officials said.