On Monday, the Salem City Council will consider the appropriation of $1.5 million from the Virginia Department of Transportation for downtown improvements on Roanoke Boulevard.
The awarded Revenue Sharing funds require a 100% local match. The city set aside $250,000 in the fiscal year 2026 budget for this project, and is able to fund the other $1.2 million through the capital projects reserve, agenda documents state.
According to VDOT’s website, the Revenue Sharing Program provides funding for localities for “the construction and/or improvement of highway systems” for participating localities.
The improvements will be completed on Roanoke Boulevard from the intersection of Market Street and East Main Street to the intersection of Roanoke Boulevard and College Avenue. This includes replacing and widening sidewalks, improving crosswalks, installing streetscaping and new lighting.
These changes are noted in Salem’s Downtown Plan to improve pedestrian and motorist safety, the agenda report reads.
Monday’s council session will be held at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 114 North Broad Street. The council will consider a number of rezonings and other appropriations of funding during Monday’s meeting. Those who are interested in seeing the full agenda can find it here.