Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
CHRISTIANSBURG- Residents have until this Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 to weigh in with their input on the proposed $5.2 million Depot Street Project.
According to the Town of Christiansburg’s Capital Projects page, the North Franklin Street/Depot Street Intersection Improvements project’s goal is to improve the safety of citizens in the intersection between Depot Street and North Franklin Street. The intersection is right by the Pizza Inn and leads up to the Main Street/ Downtown Christiansburg area as well as the fire department and the library. This intersection is key for residents who want to be able to walk and drive more safely into downtown Christiansburg. As it currently stands, it can be dangerous for residents trying to see, for example, the Rockin’ Main Street concerts or visit local businesses because they have to run across the street where there are no walk lights and other pedestrian safety measures.
The project is estimated to cost somewhere between $5.2 million and 5.3 million to improve the busy intersection. That cost, according the VDOT project information (which can be found on the Christiansburg Capital projects page) includes a five foot sidewalk constructed along with ADA approved and accessible ramps for pedestrian use, a direction island for right hand turns, and signal lights like walk signs to best help the flow of not only vehicle traffic, but also pedestrian traffic. This would also require new lanes to be painted as the island will change where the current lanes have been painted.
The purpose for this project as stated by the VDOT documents reads, “The purpose of this project is to improve safety on Depot Street/North Franklin Street and Depot Street/College Street. The addition of pedestrian facilities provides separate facilities for motorists and pedestrians. The configuration changes at the intersections improve safety by reducing the number of potential contact points for motorists when crossing the intersections”
The public hearing for the project was held Dec. 18, during which town officials heard from the community and presented the proposed construction plans to the public. The public comments period ends Jan. 10, 2025 for any residents who still want their voices to be heard regarding this project. Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2027 and end in the spring of 2028. For a map of the project, go to christiansburg.org. There is a comment form on the Town of Christiansburg’s website for residents who still want to chime in, but residents may also email any questions or comments to Grace Byrd at gbyrd@christiansburg.org.
