NEON District Streetscape Project

Project Information

For decades, Granby Street has been a hub of activity in Norfolk, always reinventing itself to reflect the spirit of the people and the times. The section of Granby Street in the NEON District is iconic, the center of the creative revival.

The NEON District Streetscape Project is more than just a beautification project. These critical infrastructure improvements will benefit businesses and residents for decades to come. Additionally, the project provides new technology to enhance the overall visitor experience. These improvements to the NEON District will reflect and enhance the energy of the area, the people and the businesses.

Project Location

Granby Street from E. Brambleton Avenue to E. Virginia Beach Boulevard

Key Project Features

Reconstruct the roadway, sidewalks and curbs
Add ADA-compliant ramps and painted crosswalks
Update traffic signals and add pedestrian signal heads and buttons
Replace water and sewer system
Upgrade stormwater collection and add a conveyance system to improve drainage
Introduce a biofiltration system to address water quality
Modernize utility lines with underground electrical conduits providing electrical service directly to properties
Install street lighting with new lamp posts
Improve landscaping with tree canopy and planter boxes
Add new amenities including seating and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations

The City will continue to coordinate with businesses and residents to try to minimize impact throughout construction.

Temporary FREE Parking Option for NEON District

The City of Norfolk has added a temporary parking option for the NEON District in the lot of the future Houndstooth Apartments (former Greyhound Station lot) at the corner of Brambleton Ave. and Granby St. The entrance to this parking lot is available from Granby St. Visitors should enter the lot from Granby St., then exit to Monticello Ave. This temporary parking lot is available Monday - Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vehicles must be removed from this lot before 8 p.m. when the gates to this lot will be closed.

Construction Schedule, Detours and Parking

The NEON District Streetscape Project encountered a utility conflict on Granby Street near the intersection of Olney Road in November 2025 during the installation of water and sewer lines. After survey work to evaluate underground infrastructure, the project team developed a plan to resolve the conflict, which requires additional work along Granby Street between Olney Road and E. Wilson Avenue. Construction will resume on Granby Street as early as January 27, 2026, at the intersection of Olney Road.

Details on impacts to the surrounding roadways are outlined in the three steps below.

Once the utility conflict is resolved in early March, construction will resume on Granby Street between Brambleton Avenue and Olney Road.

More information is available in the Project Fact Sheet.

As early as January 27, 2026, crews will be working in the Granby Street/Olney Road intersection.

Granby Street traffic will be restricted to northbound travel between Starke Road and Virginia Beach Boulevard. While Granby Street will be closed to through traffic southbound, local traffic can still travel southbound between Virginia Beach Boulevard and W. Wilson Avenue to access businesses and residential properties.
Olney Road will be closed at Granby Street. Olney Road westbound traffic will have to turn onto right onto Granby Street. Eastbound traffic should detour at Boush Street; however, local traffic can access businesses and residential properties.