Huntsville is set to make major safety improvements along a 3.25-mile stretch of Holmes Avenue, thanks to a $21.6 million federal grant.

The upgrades will enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, particularly between downtown and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

This project is a key part of the city’s larger effort to build a multimodal transportation network in the busy corridor, which currently lacks crucial safety features. The improvements also support Huntsville’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 2055.

Planned upgrades include the addition of designated bike lanes or multi-use paths, new crosswalks, continuous ADA-compliant sidewalks, and safety striping for roads.

The project will also involve improving traffic signalization at intersections and railroad crossings, upgrading pedestrian lighting, and installing new, accessible bus stops with shelters.

“This project will make our UAH corridor safer for everyone, no matter how they travel,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “This significant investment highlights Huntsville’s dedication to improving urban mobility and safety, and it sets the stage for future infrastructure projects in the area. We are grateful to our federal partners for recognizing the importance of this transformative initiative.”