Ribbon-Cutting Marks Completion of Main Street Renewal Project

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Lynchburg officials, downtown business leaders and community members gathered Tuesday to celebrate the completion of the Main Street East phase of the Downtown Renewal Project, marking the end of a years-long effort to modernize infrastructure and streetscapes along the entire length of Main Street.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held outside the Lynchburg Community Market, followed last week's reopening of two-way traffic after nearly two years of construction. More than 60 people attended the event, including members of City Council, city staff, project partners, contractors and downtown stakeholders.

The completed phase rebuilt Main Street between 12th Street and the Lynchburg Expressway with new water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, roadway improvements and upgraded streetscapes. The work also completed the replacement of century-old waterlines along the entire Main Street corridor, improving safety, accessibility and the downtown experience for residents, businesses and visitors.

"Today marks the completion of this important chapter in Downtown Lynchburg's revitalization, while also looking ahead to the continued investment that will strengthen our community for generations to come," said Stacy Garrett, executive director of the Downtown Lynchburg Association. "Phase 1 is done, phase 2 is done, phase 3 is done, and now it's official — phase 4 is complete."

Tim Mitchell, director of Lynchburg Water Resources, said the project represents a major milestone for the city's long-term infrastructure improvements.

"While our work downtown is not yet complete, today's ribbon-cutting marks a significant achievement," Mitchell said. "We have completed the most challenging section of the program, Main Street, replacing critical water infrastructure while also transforming the streetscape above it."

Clu Pettyjohn, project manager for Jamerson-Lewis Construction, credited the successful completion of the project to the collaboration among the city's project team, contractors and downtown stakeholders.

The Downtown Renewal program will next move to Court Street between Fifth and Ninth streets, where construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.

More information about the Downtown Renewal Project is available at renewlyh.com.