Current Status

Beginning Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 9 a.m., construction activities related to the 17th Street/Virginia Beach Blvd. Improvements project will require temporary road closures and detours as part of ongoing utility improvements.

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

  • Replacing aged water and sewer pipes.

  • Widening traffic lanes.

  • Improving stormwater drainage.

  • Adding bike lanes.

  • Adding trees.

  • Widening sidewalks.

  • Undergrounding power lines.

  • Upgrading accessibility.

  • Adding new traffic and pedestrian signals.

  • Improving crosswalk.

  • Adding new LED streetlights.

  • Adding Police cameras.

  • Adding ViBe District identifiers.

17th Street Phase 1 improvements map
Phase one begins at Pacific Avenue and extends west along 17th Street to Cypress Avenue, and extends north and south to encompass Cypress Avenue between 16th and 17th streets; Mediterranean Avenue between 16th and 18th streets; Baltic Avenue between 16th and 18th streets, and portions of Arctic Avenue between 16th and 18th streets.
  • 17th Street improvement rendering with sidewalks roadways and VIBE district signage
  • 17th Street intersection rendering with improved streetscapes and crosswalks
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