City of Staunton

April 11, 2025 – As part of the City of Staunton’s ongoing tunnel evaluation in the downtown vicinity, engineers have identified an area of structural concern on South New Street, just south of Greenville Ave., near the tunnel opening (Figure 1). Out of an abundance of caution, the city has closed and blocked off four parking spaces along the eastern side of South New Street to reduce surface loads (Figure 2). The area is still safe for pedestrians.

This update comes as engineers continue their structural evaluation of the tunnels that carry Gum Spring Branch and Lewis Creek beneath downtown. These efforts are part of the city’s broader commitment to flood mitigation and infrastructure resilience, following the historic floods of 2020.

As part of the evaluation funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars, engineers from Wiley|Wilson had previously identified public areas of concern beneath Johnson Street, Byers Street, and the Wharf Parking Lot, which led to closures and traffic changes in early March.

Wiley|Wilson is now developing a preliminary design for repairs in the areas of greatest impact. Due to the severity of the deterioration, repairs will require replacing sections of the tunnel ceiling and walls with new reinforced concrete. Because of safety concerns and limited access, engineers have recommended a top-down approach, meaning work will be done by excavating down from the surface. Engineers are considering construction options that will provide a durable, cost-effective solution while minimizing disruption as much as possible. Cost estimates and a probable construction timeline are not yet available.

The tunnels create complex and challenging conditions. Work will be done in a wet environment that may require environmental permitting, there are various underground utilities present in the area, and the impact on traffic and adjacent businesses and residences must be considered.

Current Closures and Access Updates

• Byers Street remains closed to through traffic
• The entire western half of the Wharf Parking Lot is open with access from Byers Street via Lewis Street
• A portion of the eastern half of the Wharf Parking Lot is open with access from Byers Street via Johnson Street
• The east entrance (typical police entrance) to the Johnson Street Parking Garage is closed
• Four parking spaces on South New Street are blocked

Staunton remains committed to sharing information with residents, businesses, and visitors as this work progresses. As repair designs move forward, more detailed timelines and impacts will be shared. In the meantime, the city appreciates our community’s continued patience and cooperation as we continue to make public safety the number one priority and take critical steps to protect our infrastructure.

Presentation to City Council from April 10, 2025

Figure 1 - Area of Concern on South New Street                               Figure 2 - Blocked Parking Spaces