Huntsville, AL, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The City of Huntsville is set to overhaul Old Monrovia Road, reducing it from five lanes to three to boost safety and walkability in the Mid-City District. The project will include a 12-foot multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, improved street lighting, and landscaping, with construction starting in November and lasting about a year. City officials expect minimal traffic disruption, aiming to enhance the area’s pedestrian-friendly environment and support local businesses.
Huntsville’s Mid-City District to Undergo Major Redesign of Old Monrovia Road to Enhance Safety and Walkability
The City of Huntsville is planning significant changes to Old Monrovia Road, with a project that aims to enhance safety and walkability in the Mid-City District. The current five-lane road will be redesigned and reduced to three lanes, with construction expected to begin in November and take approximately one year to complete. This redesign will span from University Drive to Corporate Drive.
As part of the improvements, a 12-foot wide multi-use path will be added to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. New street lighting and landscaping are also included in the plans, all intended to create a safer, more inviting environment for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
Nadia Niakossary, senior director of development with RCP Companies, highlighted the need for changes to improve safety and traffic flow. Originally designed to facilitate quick vehicle movement during the operation of Madison Square Mall, Old Monrovia Road now requires a redesign that aligns with current pedestrian traffic needs. This project is expected to enhance the overall experience for those walking in the area, contributing to improved streets and green spaces.
The redesign is projected to promote a healthier, more vibrant local economy by encouraging foot traffic and supporting local businesses. City officials have indicated that they do not anticipate significant traffic issues during the construction period, as one lane in each direction will remain open to allow for continued access to the area.
The main objective of this redesign is to foster a more pedestrian-friendly environment, thereby boosting local business activity. Local business owners have expressed support for the changes, believing that an improved walking experience will enhance customer engagement and patronage.
Key Features of the Redesign Project:
- Reduction of Old Monrovia Road from five lanes to three lanes.
- Construction timeline begins in November and will last approximately one year.
- Inclusion of a 12-foot wide multi-use path for walkers and bikers.
- Enhancements in street lighting and landscaping.
- Focus on improving safety and fostering a walkable environment.
- One lane in each direction to remain open during construction.
Background Context
Old Monrovia Road was originally designed to facilitate rapid vehicle movement when the Madison Square Mall was in operation. However, with changing local demographics and increased interest in pedestrian-friendly environments, a reconsideration of the road’s design has become essential. The new design aims to address the pedestrian traffic needs that have emerged in the area, thus promoting a more community-centric space.
The project is multifaceted and emphasizes the importance of green spaces, better routes for pedestrians, and increased safety measures for all users of the road. As Huntsville continues to grow, initiatives like this are pivotal in ensuring that developments serve the needs of both current and future residents.
Conclusion
In summary, the planned redesign of Old Monrovia Road is a strategic effort by the City of Huntsville aimed at enhancing safety and promoting walkability. With construction set to begin in November and an array of improvements planned, this project is anticipated to have a lasting positive impact on the local economy and community culture.
FAQ
What changes are being made to Old Monrovia Road?
The road will be reduced from a five-lane to a three-lane cross section.
When will the construction begin and how long will it take?
Construction is expected to begin in November and will take approximately one year to complete.
What improvements will be included in the redesign?
A 12-foot wide multi-use path for walkers and bikers will be included, along with new street lighting and landscaping.
What is the aim of the redesign?
The redesign aims to create a safer and more walkable environment for residents and visitors.
Will there be traffic issues during construction?
City officials do not anticipate significant traffic issues during construction, as one lane in each direction will remain open.
How will this project affect local businesses?
The redesign is expected to boost local business activity by encouraging foot traffic and enhancing customer engagement.
Key Features of the Redesign Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lane Reduction | From five lanes to three lanes. |
| Construction Start | November |
| Construction Duration | Approximately one year. |
| Multi-Use Path | 12-foot wide path for walkers and bikers. |
| Additional Improvements | New street lighting and landscaping. |
| Traffic Management | One lane in each direction open during construction. |
| Business Impact | Expected to enhance customer engagement and support local economy. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pam Werstler Wins Decatur City Council District 4 Runoff
Pam Werstler Elected to Decatur City Council District 4
Concerns Arise Over Animal Control Coverage in Madison County
Mazda Unveils Updates for the CX-50 Crossover
Madison County schools calendar 2025-2026: Official schedule, holiday closures, teacher workdays and important dates for parents and students
Huntsville school closings today: updated list, road conditions, and remote learning info for parents
Huntsville high school football scores today: Friday night results, schedules, and team standings
Huntsville real estate 2025: Complete guide to the best neighborhoods, top school districts, and affordable homes under $300K
The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Huntsville for Families in 2025: Top Schools, Home Prices, and Commute Times
Huntsville Job Market Sees Significant Growth
Additional Resources
- WAFF: New Improvements in Mid-City District
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- WAAY: Big Changes Coming to Huntsville’s Mid-City
- Google Search: Huntsville Mid-City District News
- WHNT: HPD Investigating Shooting Near Mid-City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- Rocket City Now: HPD Investigating Shooting Near Old Monrovia Road
- Google News: Huntsville Mid-City District
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
