From Flood Control to Greenways: Huntsville’s $20 Million Pathway to Transform Downtown Huntsville

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Huntsville City Council has approved Resolution 20H, authorizing Mayor Tommy Battle to enter into a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Alabama Department of Transportation for the Pedestrian Access & Redevelopment Corridor (PARC) Project — a transformative infrastructure and park initiative aimed at improving flood control, pedestrian safety, and urban connectivity across Huntsville’s downtown core.

Shane Davis, the City’s Director of Urban and Economic Development, presented the plan, calling it “a generational investment that connects communities, improves safety, and enhances the city’s quality of life.”

Project Overview

Backed by a $20 million Federal RAISE Grant, the PARC Project will deliver significant public improvements and amenities, including:

• Flood Mitigation

• 8,800 linear feet of Pinhook Creek channel improvements

• 5,600 linear feet of stream restoration

• Greenways and Parks

• 1.3 miles of new greenways

• 11 acres of new linear park space

• Connectivity and Bridges

• Three pre-cast pedestrian bridges linking Big Spring Park, the Medical District, Mill Creek, and Lowe Mill

• A new concrete railroad bridge replacing the outdated wooden trestle near Heart of Huntsville Drive

• 1,100 feet of pedestrian cable-suspension bridge spanning U.S. 231 and U.S. 431/AL 53

Safety and Federal Funding

Davis said the two pedestrian skybridges were key to securing the competitive federal grant.

“This is the one piece, in my opinion, that is worth the skybridge — two skybridges — and that’s why they’re in here,” Davis said. “It was one of the pieces that actually qualified us for the $20 million. Between 2018 and 2022, there were 35 automotive crashes involving a pedestrian or someone on a bicycle within this project’s limits. Six of those resulted in fatalities, and 24 caused serious injuries requiring overnight hospital stays. What you have in this area are our two most critical arterials for the whole region — Interstate 565, U.S. 231, and U.S. 431 — right in the heart of downtown.”

City modeling estimates the project will reduce pedestrian and bicycle crashes by nearly 60%, making the area dramatically safer for residents and visitors.

Encouraging Investment and Job Growth

Davis said the PARC Project also fulfills a federal goal of stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.

“Checking the box for this federal grant is to encourage investments and create jobs,” he said. “The area in red is the park project — all the components that we just went through. The yellow boxes are the new investments occurring in and around this project. You see new multifamily and small business ownership in the Lowe Mill District, reinvestment along Davis Circle and the Medical District, and the Constellation redevelopment.”

According to Davis, more than $800 million in private investment has already been completed or announced in the surrounding area, generating approximately $7 million annually in new property taxes, half of which supports local schools.

The project also complements the Mill Creek Redevelopment Project and Huntsville Hospital’s workforce housing initiative, which aims to provide affordable, walkable housing for employees.

A Citywide Network of Greenways

Davis emphasized that the PARC Project is part of a larger effort to link every major part of Huntsville through a connected greenway system.

“The Downtown Green Circle is within the project limits of today,” he said. “The Holmes Avenue multimodal complete street project, which is in design, will connect to this and terminate in Research Park. That project is funded and moving forward. The North Huntsville Beltline Greenway, which we’ve been having public involvement meetings on, will also connect to this corridor.”

He said the City and FEMA are working on the design of the first phase near Alabama A&M University, which will extend southward to downtown, Brahan Spring Park, and John Hunt Park.

“When we’re complete, you’ll be able to go from UAH, Research Park, Alabama A&M, or downtown to a soccer game or the SouthStar Music Festival without needing a car,” Davis said. “And as we expand through Blossomwood, the Medical District, and connect to the Monte Sano Trail, you’ll see how this network brings the entire city together. It’s more than just a skybridge or a flood-mitigation project — it’s the foundation of a citywide connection. Ten years from now, this will be the network that links everyone.”

Council Applauds the Vision

Council members praised the project’s long-term vision and impact, voting unanimously to approve the resolution.

Councilwoman Dr. Jennie Robinson said the plan addresses one of Huntsville’s most persistent challenges — the division created by major roadways cutting through urban areas.

“As I look at this plan, there are so many good things — flood mitigation, new greenways, and the replacement of the old railroad bridge,” Robinson said. “But I’ve heard the parkway referred to in some areas as the Great Wall of China in Huntsville. You see it in South Huntsville, where on the east side you have all the residential, and on the west side, all the commercial — and it’s hard to move safely across. What this plan does is create a way to bridge that divide. It not only provides safe crossings but opens access to economic opportunities, healthcare, employment, and housing. This is a really well-thought-out project with significant justification.”

 Next Steps

Construction will begin with channel widening and flood-mitigation improvements, expected to take about 15 months, followed by greenway and bridge construction. All components approved under the grant must be completed as proposed.

The measure passed unanimously, marking a major milestone in Huntsville’s efforts to build a safer, more connected, and economically vibrant downtown.