CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The public is invited to learn more and comment on proposed multimodal transportation improvements along Route 742 (Avon Street) in the City of Charlottesville, according to a Virginia Department of Transportation release. The project has an estimated price tag that has jumped by over $2 million since city councilors first signed off on it last year.
City Council on Aug. 18, 2025 endorsed what was then a $15.8 million VDOT plan for a four-tenths-of-a-mile stretch of Avon St. between Druid Ave. and Belmont Cottage Rd., the cost of which has ballooned to $18.3 million in just over a year, according to VDOT. VDOT has announced an in-person design public hearing for Thursday at Monticello High School from 5-7 p.m. to discuss the project, which would eliminate 33 street parking spaces in the neighborhood.
“A shared-use path will be constructed along the east side of Avon Street, between Route 1101 (Avon Court) and Druid Avenue, to enhance connections with the Rivanna Trail,” according to the VDOT announcement. “A new pedestrian bridge will also be constructed over Moores Creek, parallel to Avon Street along the east side of the roadway. The shared-use path and pedestrian bridge will be owned by the City of Charlottesville. Existing bus stops will be upgraded and new crosswalks will be installed at key locations as part of this project.”…