City of Roanoke launches traffic lane redesign to support safer travel along Williamson Road
Roanoke, Virginia – The City of Roanoke is set to begin the next phase of the Envision Williamson Road project on September 29, 2025, as part of a broader initiative to improve roadway safety and support the long-term vision of the corridor. This stage of the project will introduce a six-month demonstration that reshapes how traffic moves between Pocahontas Avenue and Angell Avenue.
New Lane Configuration to Promote Safer Travel
The demonstration will reconfigure the current layout to include a dedicated center turn lane, one northbound lane, and one southbound lane. Instead of temporary barriers such as cones or barrels, the street will be restriped to resemble a permanent setup. This striping work will take several days to complete, and one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout the process. This ensures continued accessibility for residents, local businesses, and visitors.
To support the transition, city staff and consultants will be present during the first few days of the demonstration to adjust traffic signal timing where needed. Additionally, traffic data is already being collected along Williamson Road and nearby neighborhood streets. This data will continue to be monitored throughout the demonstration period to help assess the effectiveness of the changes.
Shaped by Community Voices and Local Support
This project phase was shaped by months of extensive public engagement, including feedback from residents, businesses, schools, and advocacy groups. A dedicated steering committee, representing various stakeholders in the area, played a vital role in developing the vision for the corridor. The committee reached a majority consensus on the proposed safety features and road configuration being implemented during the demonstration.
The Envision Williamson Road initiative is part of the city’s Complete Streets and Vision Zero strategies, both of which aim to create safer, more accessible roadways for all users, regardless of how they travel. Through these policies, the City of Roanoke continues to make progress on its commitment to eliminating traffic-related fatalities and creating inclusive transportation options.
The upcoming demonstration not only reflects the city’s dedication to safety but also signals a collaborative investment in the future of one of Roanoke’s key corridors. Residents can learn more and follow project updates by visiting the city’s official website at https://roanoke-va.civilspace.io/en/projects/envision-williamson-road.
