City of Huntsville moving forward on Holmes Avenue multimodal safety enhancements

Published on September 11, 2025

The City is moving forward on extensive improvements and safety enhancements along a 3.25-mile stretch of Holmes Avenue between downtown and the University of Alabama in Huntsville campus.

The City Council approved Mayor Tommy Battle to sign the grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant.

The City won a competitive $21.6 million USDOT grant last year to create a multimodal transportation network through the busy Holmes Avenue corridor. The City is providing matching funds of $9.16 million for a total project cost of $30.8 million.

Enhancements will include essential safety features for cyclists and pedestrians. The project aligns with the City’s goal of zero roadway fatalities or serious injuries by 2055 through Vision Zero.

Planned improvements to Holmes Avenue include the installation of designated bike lanes or multiuse paths, crosswalks, continuous ADA-compliant sidewalks and roadway safety striping. The project will also enhance traffic signalization at intersections and railroad crossings, upgrade pedestrian safety lighting and introduce new, accessible bus stops with shelters.

Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026.