Welcome back to Lynchburg Field Notes, a column that arrives in your inbox on Wednesdays with quick news updates from the past week and previews of what’s coming up next in the Hill City and surrounding communities.
Local leaders gathered on Main Street Tuesday to celebrate a milestone in Lynchburg’s effort to modernize downtown infrastructure: the reopening of two-way traffic to the Lynchburg Expressway. You can learn more about the renewal project sweeping through downtown and the ceremony that recognized it in this edition. Plus, catch updates on what Lynchburg is doing to address data center development, how central Virginia localities are responding to drought conditions and how you can get involved in shaping the region’s long-term transportation goals.
Have questions or ideas for me as July races by? Reach out at emma@cardinalnews.org.
Main Street reopens after 2 years of construction
A primary gateway to downtown Lynchburg is once again open to two-way traffic, following the completion of a construction project that began in summer 2024.
The project brought improvements to Main Street between 12th Street and the Lynchburg Expressway. It was the fourth phase of the larger Downtown Renewal Project, a multi-million-dollar initiative aimed at replacing aging waterlines, improving sewer and storm systems, and enhancing streetscapes in the downtown area to support continued development.
“Our goal is to make these comprehensive improvements all at once, addressing underground utilities and surface improvements together, so this corridor can serve the community for decades without the need for another major infrastructure project,” said Tim Mitchell, the city’s director of water resources, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Main Street on Tuesday.
Many of downtown’s waterlines are more than 100 years old, so upgrades to new, larger pipes not only increase capacity to meet modern demands but also reduce the likelihood of water main breaks, Mitchell said.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding that everyone has shown along the way,” Mitchell said. “But while these projects can be difficult in the short term, they are absolutely essential for the long-term health and reliability of our community.”
The Downtown Renewal Project’s first phase was launched in 2016, and over the past decade, improvements have been made under and above Main, Commerce and Church streets. The next phase, set to begin in early 2027, will move efforts to Court Street, said Stacy Garrett, the executive director of the Downtown Lynchburg Association, in her remarks Tuesday.
“Today marks the completion of this important chapter in the downtown Lynchburg’s revitalization, while also looking ahead to the continued investment that will strengthen our community for generations to come,” she said.
Lynchburg updates zoning ordinance to regulate data centers
The Lynchburg City Council voted unanimously last week to regulate data centers by amending the city’s zoning ordinance.
Previously, data centers were permitted by right in eight zoning districts, meaning they could move in without review by the city council. Under the new rules, developers must obtain a conditional use permit from the city council to build a data center, and those permits will only be granted in four industrial and institutional zoning districts.
The zoning ordinance update also establishes setback and screening requirements, noise standards and a maximum height rule for data centers.
The zoning amendment was designed to be proactive so the city is prepared for any future data center proposals, said Rachel Frischeisen, city planner, at the July 14 city council meeting.
As drought continues, localities share tips for conserving water
Lynchburg and its surrounding counties are experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, according to the national drought monitor.
Local officials are asking residents to conserve water if they can by adopting strategies such as:
- Waiting to wash laundry or dishes until there is a full load;
- Taking shorter showers and turning off the water while you brush your teeth or shave;
- Watering outdoor plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation, and not overwatering lawns;
- Turning off ornamental water fountains and skipping pool and hot tub refills for now;
- Sweeping driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down;
- Keeping an eye out for leaking toilets and dripping faucets, and fixing them promptly.
New meter technology is being installed throughout Lynchburg that enables residents to track their water usage on their phone. The tech allows residents to be more informed about how much water they’re using and can quickly alert crews to possible leaks. About half the city has already been switched to the cellular system, and residents will be notified via mail when meters are upgraded in the future. More information is available on the EyeOnWater project webpage.
Residents invited to weigh in on region-wide transportation goals
The Central Virginia Transportation Planning Organization on Saturday launched a survey to assess the region’s goals for transportation investments for the next 25 years.
Anyone who commutes through the region of Lynchburg and Bedford, Campbell, Amherst and Appomattox counties — including residents, employees and students — is invited to share their thoughts on transportation priorities.
Respondents will be asked to rank what transportation challenges need the most attention, among topics such as reducing congestion, improving intersections, addressing speeding and creating more opportunities for bikers and pedestrians. Other questions ask respondents to think about investments on a sliding scale, like choosing between maintaining existing infrastructure, building from scratch or finding a balance somewhere between.
Responses will be factored into a long-term transportation plan that will identify goals and recommend projects and strategies that can be implemented through 2050.
The survey is available online and open through Aug. 10.
