Huntsville Approves Holmes Avenue Multimodal Upgrade

3.25-mile corridor project to enhance pedestrian, bike, and transit options

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Huntsville has approved an engineering and construction contract with Volkert Inc. to refurbish a 3.25-mile stretch of Holmes Avenue, a major downtown corridor connecting the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and Cummings Research Park. The $30.6 million project, partially funded by a $21.6 million federal grant, will create new sidewalks, multiuse paths, bike lanes, transit shelters, landscaping, and other improvements to enhance multimodal transportation options along the high-traffic route.

Why it matters

The Holmes Avenue project aims to improve connectivity and accessibility between Huntsville's downtown, UAH, and the Cummings Research Park, three rapidly growing areas of the city. By enhancing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure, the city hopes to attract more residents to use the corridor and support the continued development of these key economic hubs.

The details

The project will cover Holmes Avenue from Spragins Avenue to Sparkman Drive, including the addition of sidewalks, multiuse paths, cycle lanes, transit shelters, landscaping, decorative lighting, and street furniture. Volkert Inc. will finalize engineering design plans, with construction expected to begin near the end of 2027 and be completed by summer 2030.

  • In 2024, the City of Huntsville was awarded a $21.6 million federal grant for the Holmes Avenue project.
  • The City will provide $9 million in matching funds for the $30.6 million total project cost.
  • Volkert Inc. will finalize engineering design plans leading up to the start of construction near the end of 2027.
  • The Holmes Avenue project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2030.

The players

Volkert Inc.

An engineering firm that was awarded the contract to finalize design plans and provide construction administration services for the Holmes Avenue project.

Dennis Madsen

The Urban and Long-Range Planning Manager for the City of Huntsville, who discussed the details and goals of the Holmes Avenue project.

University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)

A growing university that is connected to the Holmes Avenue corridor and will benefit from the improved multimodal transportation options.

Cummings Research Park (CRP)

A major research and technology hub in Huntsville that is also connected to the Holmes Avenue corridor and will see improved access through the project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A big part of this is the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program. The SS4A grant funding really makes a difference. The alternate mode transportation plan will definitely be an improvement for pedestrians and the bike environment.”

— Dennis Madsen, Urban and Long-Range Planning Manager (huntsvilleal.gov)

“These improvements will allow for better connection. Students at UAH will be able to more easily come to downtown and there will be greater access to Cummings Research Park. It's how we get ahead of the growth.”

— Dennis Madsen, Urban and Long-Range Planning Manager (huntsvilleal.gov)

What’s next

Volkert will finalize engineering design plans leading up to the start of construction near the end of 2027, with the project expected to be completed by the summer of 2030.

The takeaway

The Holmes Avenue project is a strategic investment by the City of Huntsville to enhance multimodal connectivity between the city's downtown, university, and research park, supporting the continued growth and development of these key economic hubs through improved pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure.