The City of Buena Vista is excited to announce that construction will begin on downtown streetscape improvements starting Monday, December 8. This work is part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Business District Revitalization and the VDOT Transportation Alternatives Grant, supporting key upgrades to safety, accessibility, and the appearance of our downtown.
Project Timeline
- Forest Ave & 21st Street: December 8 – February
- Magnolia Ave & 21st Street: January
- Sycamore Ave & 21st Street: January – March
Key Improvements:
- New sidewalk corners, crosswalks, and landscaping at 21st St & Forest Ave
- New traffic signals and pedestrian countdown timers at 21st St & Magnolia Ave
- New sidewalk corners, crosswalks, traffic signals, and pedestrian countdown timers at 21st St & Sycamore Ave
- Replacement of broken sidewalk segments on 21st Street
- New street trees on 21st Street
- New street lights on 21st Street (Sycamore to the railroad) and on Sycamore Ave at the City Hall block
What to Expect (All timelines are weather dependent.)
- Forest Ave & 21st Street – December through February
- Initial work begins December 8 and includes phased improvements to sidewalks and corners. The intersection will remain open to traffic, though temporary parking restrictions near the work area will be in place.
- Magnolia Ave & 21st Street – January
- Signal pole replacement and related work will occur in January, with minimal travel impacts, except for a brief period of all-stop traffic during the signal switchover.
- Sycamore Ave & 21st Street – January through March
- Signal pole replacement is expected in January or February, followed by concrete corner work in February/March.
Public Information Session — December 8 at 5:00 PM at Asunder Coffee Roastery & Café (2037 Magnolia Ave)
The City will host a public information session on December 8 at 5:00 PM at Asunder Coffee Roastery & Café (2037 Magnolia Ave) for downtown businesses and nearby residents who may be affected by the construction. This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about upcoming phases, ask questions, and share feedback to help us minimize impacts and better support businesses throughout the project.
Property owners and businesses impacted by the Forest Avenue work beginning December 8 have already been notified. As construction moves to larger intersections and affects more of the business district, this session will help prepare the wider community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Will intersections be closed during construction?
- A: Forest Ave & 21st Street and Magnolia Ave & 21st Street will remain open to traffic throughout construction. Sycamore Ave & 21st Street will have brief periods of partial closure. During traffic signal replacement at Magnolia Ave and at Sycamore Ave, there will periods when these are stop sign-controlled intersections.
- Q: How long will construction last?
- A: Work is expected to continue through April, depending on weather and project progress. Each intersection will be worked on in phases:
- Forest & 21st: December – February
- Magnolia & 21st: January
- Sycamore & 21st: January – March
- A: Work is expected to continue through April, depending on weather and project progress. Each intersection will be worked on in phases:
- Q: Will parking be affected?
- A: Yes, temporary parking restrictions will be in place near active construction zones. Specific outreach will be provided to property owners and businesses directly impacted.
- Q: Will sidewalks remain open?
- A: Pedestrian access will be maintained except for brief periods of closure during construction. Detours will be provided and every effort made to limit disruption to businesses and residents.
- Q: How will I know when my property or business is impacted?
- A: The City will provide direct notifications to property owners and businesses affected by construction phases, in addition to regular updates on the City website and social media.
- Q: Will construction occur during certain hours only?
- A: No nighttime or weekend construction is anticipated.
- Q: Are there anticipated utility disruptions?
- A: No utility disruptions are anticipated.
- Q: Who can I contact with questions?
- A: Please contact:
Tom Roberts, Director of Community Development
troberts@bvcity.org
(540) 261-8607
- A: Please contact: