17th Street/Virginia Beach Boulevard Improvements Project
This project will replace aging infrastructure, improve connectivity and rehabilitate the streetscape.
Current Status
17th Street Improvements Project Update | May 2026
The 17th Street Improvements Project continues to make steady progress, with major construction underway between Pacific Avenue and Arctic Avenue.
Crews are installing underground utilities, including sewer, water and communications infrastructure, and continuing duct bank construction along the corridor.
Work is ongoing while maintaining access to businesses and properties in the project area.
The roadway between Pacific Avenue and Arctic Avenue remains closed to allow crews to complete this work safely and efficiently.
In mid-June, construction is expected to shift west to the next block between Arctic Avenue and Baltic Avenue, marking the start of the next phase. Northbound Arctic Avenue at 17th Street will remain closed as groundwater treatment operations continue.
In the coming weeks, crews will complete remaining utility work in the current segment, perform temporary roadway restoration and prepare for the transition to the next block.
The project team continues to coordinate with utility partners and stakeholders to maintain progress and minimize impacts to the community.
We appreciate your patience as work continues to improve the 17th Street corridor.
Key impacts:
- 17th Street will be closed between Pacific Avenue and Arctic Avenue, including the Arctic Avenue intersection.
- Arctic Avenue north of 17th Street will be closed for an extended period to accommodate groundwater treatment equipment.
- Access from 18th Street to 17th Street may be fully restricted during this phase of work.
- On-street parking will be prohibited in designated areas to maintain safe access for construction operations.
The work includes installation of a temporary groundwater treatment system, sewer bypass setup and related utility construction. Detour routes will be clearly posted, and access to local businesses will be maintained.
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Open for Business While Building Our VB Future
Virginia Beach is embarking on a transformative four-year streetscape improvement project to revitalize the 17th Street/Virginia Beach Boulevard corridor and provide better connectivity among major destinations such as the Sports Center and the ViBe District to the beach and businesses along Atlantic and Pacific avenues.
This essential infrastructure investment will enhance safety, accessibility and aesthetic appeal, all while preserving the charm that makes the ViBe District special.
Work will be conducted year-round, but one thing won’t change: The ViBe businesses located along this corridor will be open throughout construction.
While we build for tomorrow, we encourage you to enjoy everything the ViBe Creative District has to offer today. From award-winning restaurants to auto dealerships and more, these local businesses remain ready to welcome residents and visitors.
Project at a Glance
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Replacing aged water and sewer pipes.
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Widening traffic lanes.
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Improving stormwater drainage.
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Adding bike lanes.
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Adding trees.
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Widening sidewalks.
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Undergrounding power lines.
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Upgrading accessibility.
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Adding new traffic and pedestrian signals.
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Improving crosswalk.
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Adding new LED streetlights.
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Adding Police cameras.
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Adding ViBe District identifiers.
Resources
The campaign materials, consisting of a flyer, a map, and social media graphics (collectively, “Artwork”), include intellectual property owned by the City of Virginia Beach.
The Artwork is available for use by businesses impacted by the 17th Street/Virginia Beach Boulevard Improvement Project, in accordance with the terms set forth herein, for the limited purpose of increasing awareness that businesses remain open during City construction as part of the 17th Street/Virginia Beach Boulevard Improvement Project.
Use of the Artwork should be limited to marketing and communication purposes directly related to promoting business operations in the project area. The City of Virginia Beach strives to maintain the integrity of the campaign Artwork.
This limited license to use the Artwork shall terminate upon completion of the project.
For Your Use
For Your Use
Download map and social media graphics.
