Roanoke Gives Green Light To Seek Funding for Williamson Road Traffic Reconfiguration

Henri Gendreau -
Roanoke City is seeking $21 million in state funding to begin reconfiguring a stretch of Williamson Road, considered the deadliest stretch of street in the city. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU FOR THE ROANOKE RAMBLER

Roanoke hopes to clinch at least $21 million in state funds to reconfigure traffic on Williamson Road — the city’s deadliest street for pedestrians.

The plan would reduce the four-lane stretch to two car lanes and add a center turn lane and bike lanes on either side. New sidewalks would accompany the project.

Roanoke City Council on Monday voted 4-1 to apply for funding for four road improvement projects, including Williamson Road, from the Virginia Department of Transportation.