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Council hears Settlers Landing redesign with arches, raised crosswalks and pedestrian buffers
Summary
City staff presented a Settlers Landing Road renovation that would add decorative archways, raised curb-level blocks, vegetated medians, a shared-use path and bump-outs to shorten crosswalks from about 70 to 50 feet; design is in early stages with bidding anticipated in roughly a year.
The Hampton City Council on [date not specified] received a presentation on a proposed renovation of Settlers Landing Road that officials say is intended to slow traffic and improve pedestrian access into downtown Hampton. Deputy City Manager Brian De Profio introduced the project and interim director Michael Bowery led the design briefing.
Bowery described traffic-calming measures adopted after a February 2024 traffic study — enforcement of a 25 mph limit, new “no turn on red” signs and longer pedestrian signal times — and then outlined the planned physical changes. "We're shortening that to 50 feet," Bowery said of crosswalk spans, explaining bump-outs and raised curb-level blocks would reduce pedestrian crossing distance and slow motorists. The design also calls for removing on-street parking on the south side of the corridor, adding a protected multiuse path, installing protective lighted bollards and replacing the current concrete median with a vegetative buffer.
Council members asked for details on the archway features shown in renderings. Vice Mayor Brown asked whether archways would run the full length of Settlers Landing and whether each could carry different wording; Bowery said the arches would span the corridor and he would pose the question to the design team, noting materials and final wording remain in design. On the raised-crosswalk element, the mayor asked whether the elevated crosswalks are curb-level; Bowery and Deputy City Manager De Profio said segments would be raised to curb level to create a "tunnel effect" and act as a traffic-calming measure.
Bowery said the project is early in design, with an internal goal of completing design within about 12 months, advertising for bids roughly a year out, and construction estimated at 18–24 months. That schedule would align construction completion with the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel work, which staff said is estimated to finish in August 2027. The presentation included renderings and a proposed sequencing of raised crosswalks, widened sidewalks for outdoor seating, and seating elements integrated into foundation features.
Next steps include continuing design work, confirming archway materials and wording with the design team, and returning with procurement and schedule details. The council did not take a vote on the design at this session.
