We are excited to announce the completion of the Lansdowne Traffic Calming Project. The project was developed in collaboration with the Virginia Health Department and as a response to the need for safer streets and enhanced walkability in the neighborhood. Roanoke City sought to improve the overall safety and mobility of people walking, biking, and riding transit pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users along Melrose Avenue and 24th Street in the City of Roanoke, Virginia and connect neighboring resources such as Kennedy Park and the Community Solutions Center. The project entailed painting murals as curb extensions as well as the median area to calm traffic. Lead Artist, Dr. Simone Paterson, joined forces with Lansdowne residents to bring this vision to life. Community engagement was essential to the process, with residents actively participating in the design, ensuring that the project truly reflected the aspirations and identity of Lansdowne.
The revitalized street and murals not only promote safer pedestrian routes but also facilitate easier access to Melrose Plaza resources, thanks to the existing greenway path. Behind the Lansdowne Traffic Calming Project was a collaboration between local, regional, and state partners. Generous contributions from the Virginia Walkability Action Institute and support from Roanoke City Health Department, City of Roanoke Department of Transportation, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, EnVision Center (Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority), Roanoke Arts Commission, and Carilion Clinic played a pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition. Together, these stakeholders exemplify the spirit of community partnership and collective action. This project not only improves safety but also strengthens the community, creating a safer, more connected, and aesthetically pleasing environment for all. The Lansdowne Traffic Calming Project stands as a model for future initiatives, highlighting the importance of inclusive design and the power of art in transforming urban spaces.