A major streetscape project along Holmes Avenue is moving forward as Huntsville officials work to improve safety and connectivity between downtown, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Cummings Research Park.
City leaders recently approved an engineering design and construction administration services contract with Volkert Inc., marking another step toward transforming the busy corridor into a more accessible route for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users.
The project will cover approximately 3.25 miles of Holmes Avenue from Spragins Avenue to Sparkman Drive and will add multimodal transportation features intended to improve safety and accessibility along the roadway.
The Holmes Avenue streetscape project is supported in part by the federal Safe Streets for All program. Huntsville received a $21.6 million federal grant for the project in 2024 and will contribute $9 million in matching funds.
“A big part of this is the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program,” Urban and Long-Range Planning Manager Dennis Madsen said, referring to the U.S. Department of Transportation program from which the grant originated. “The SS4A grant funding really makes a difference. The alternate mode transportation plan will definitely be an improvement for pedestrians and the bike environment.”
The section of Holmes Avenue included in the project connects three growing parts of Huntsville — downtown, UAH and Cummings Research Park — while also serving high-traffic destinations such as Clearview Cancer Institute, the Huntsville VA Clinic and The Rock Family Worship, along with surrounding neighborhoods.
Planned improvements include sidewalks, multi-use paths, cycle lanes, transit shelters, landscaping, decorative lighting and street furniture. City planners say the upgrades are intended to make the corridor safer and more inviting for all modes of transportation while encouraging more residents, students and commuters to use Holmes Avenue.
“These improvements will allow for better connection,” Madsen said. “Students at UAH will be able to more easily come to downtown and there will be greater access to Cummings Research Park. It’s how we get ahead of the growth.”
Volkert will finalize engineering design plans before construction begins near the end of 2027. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2030.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
