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Seventeenth Street project wins viable bid; $48.8 million TIP funding to cover utility and streetscape overhaul
Summary
City staff told council a low bid of $42.7 million fits the $48.8 million Tourist Investment Program allocation; the multi-year project will put utilities underground, widen sidewalks and install bike facilities while phasing construction to keep lanes open wherever possible.
City staff briefed the Virginia Beach City Council on the Seventeenth Street Improvements project and recommended moving toward construction after a low bid that fits the project’s current funding.
“I'm happy to report we have a successful viable bid within our funding available for Seventeenth Street,” Emily Archer, economic development deputy director, told council. Archer said the project is fully funded in the current capital plan by the Tourist Investment Program (TIP) at $48.8 million; the low bid received April 30 was $42.7 million.
The presentation described the work as a comprehensive reconstruction of an aging corridor that includes narrow lanes and utilities installed in the 1940s. The scope for phase one (Cypress Avenue to Pacific Avenue) includes roadway regrading to meet modern dimensions, widened sidewalks, upgraded crosswalks and curb ramps, street trees and bike lanes, plus underground utility upgrades that will convert overhead lines into an underground duct bank.
Archer emphasized the complexity of the utility work and the length of construction. Staff told council the contract is roughly a 3½- to 4-year program beginning with deep water and sewer improvements, followed by duct bank construction, then north-side roadway improvements and finishing with lighting and landscape work. The city expects staged closures, several blocks at a time during early underground work, but managers said the contractor is required to keep safe access to businesses and minimize the number of simultaneous closures. Archer showed images of large underground vaults and said a duct bank installation requires substantial staging and vault construction.
Councilmembers acknowledged the need for the work and the funding source. Councilmember Remick and other speakers noted the funding comes from the TIP, not the general fund, and that while construction will be disruptive—“three years of pain,” in one councilmember’s words—it is intended to reduce flooding and unlock development opportunities in the district.
Archer outlined a stakeholder engagement plan that includes mailers to tenants and property owners, updates to the VIBE Creative District and coordination with adjacent public projects. Staff said they will maintain business wayfinding during construction and that public communications channels are being prepared so tenants and the public can subscribe to updates.
No formal council vote was recorded in the briefing. The low bid and the funding status were presented to inform council and to confirm that the project is ready to proceed to construction pending standard procurement and pre-construction activities.
