Holmes Avenue project to improving multimodal options moves forward
Published on February 26, 2026
The City is another step closer to refurbishing a major downtown corridor that links to the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and Cummings Research Park (CRP), approving an engineering design and construction administration services contract with Volkert Inc.
The project will cover about 3.25 miles of Holmes Avenue from Spragins Avenue to Sparkman Drive. It will create multimodal transportation options for Holmes Avenue that will further enhance the roadway.
The City in 2024 was awarded a $21.6 million federal grant for the project. The City will provide $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.”
Madsen also pointed to the fact that the section of Holmes covered by the project connects three growing parts of Huntsville: the downtown area, UAH and CRP. Additionally, the corridor is home to high-traffic entities such as Clearview Cancer Institute, the Huntsville VA Clinic and The Rock Family Worship in addition to established neighborhoods.
The project will include sidewalks, multiuse paths, cycle lanes, transit shelters, landscaping, decorative lighting and street furniture. Altogether, the improvements will make the corridor safer for all modes of transportation while attracting more residents 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 leading up to the start of construction near the end of 2027. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2030.