Council approves SEH agreement to develop 30% plans for Sixth Avenue overhaul

The Virginia City Council approved a professional services agreement with SEH to produce 30 percent design plans and cost estimates for the Sixth Avenue reconstruction project, a major infrastructure undertaking that city staff said will require extensive utility remediation.

Why it matters: Sixth Avenue runs through much of the city and staff described its infrastructure as “crumbling,” requiring repairs to road and underlying public-utility systems. Producing 30 percent plans is the next step to secure funding and set a project schedule and budget.

Project description and council action: Matt Reid of SEH (professional services presenter) discussed the work and its purpose: to get to 30 percent plans and an accurate cost estimate so the city can pursue funding. Councilors moved and supported a resolution to approve a professional services agreement with SEH for the 2026 Sixth Avenue Construction Project.

Scope and timing: Councilors and staff said the project will require remediation of the Department of Public Utilities infrastructure under Sixth Avenue and will be extensive and costly. The council described the corridor as the city’s main arterial and said the request to SEH is to develop the best-case estimate at the 30 percent design stage. No final construction contract or funding package was approved at this meeting; the action authorized the next phase of engineering work.

Ending: With SEH engaged to complete the 30 percent plans and cost estimate, councilors said staff will use that information to seek grants, bond financing or other funding and return to council with schedule and budget recommendations.