Staunton staff present $2.18M HSIP plan to add ADA ramps and curb 'bulb-outs' on Beverly Street

Susan Wilson, Staunton’s transportation planner, told City Council on Jan. 8 that public‑works obtained $2.18 million in Highway Safety Improvement Program funding to improve nine downtown intersections, including upgraded pedestrian signals, higher‑visibility crosswalks and ADA‑compliant curb ramps.

Wilson said limited sidewalk width downtown makes it difficult to install directional ADA ramps in some locations and the STAR study recommended curb extensions ("bulb‑outs") along Beverly Street to create the sidewalk footprint needed for compliant ramps. She said the design consultant is advancing 30 percent drawings and staff expects a public hearing on the project in late spring; construction is currently scheduled for summer 2027 to avoid conflicts with planned tunnel and Wharf repairs.

Wilson walked Council through visual examples and AI renderings of bulb‑outs and explained safety benefits: reduced crossing distance, improved driver sight lines, lower turning radii and physical buffering from parked cars. She stressed renderings are illustrative and the final design would evolve through public input and engineering review.

Council members raised operational questions about narrowing approaches through intersections—staff said the improvements would narrow Beverly Street to one lane through intersections but retain two travel lanes mid‑block, and that merge markings, signage and delivery considerations would be part of detailed design. Wilson said the federal funding requires ADA upgrades at corners and that staff will pursue additional public engagement (a project web page and possible demonstration blocks) before final design.