Montgomery’s East Fairview Avenue streetscape master plan: safer walking + a new roundabout

The East Fairview Avenue Streetscape Master Plan is set to bring a major transformation to one of Montgomery’s most historic and vibrant corridors. On Thursday, June 25, the Montgomery City Planning Commission gave unanimous approval to the proposal.

With this green light secured, the proposal now moves to the Montgomery City Council for final approval at its upcoming meeting on July 7.

The visionary project focuses heavily on the bustling segment of East Fairview Avenue between Cloverdale Road and Narrow Lane Road. This area serves as a critical bridge connecting community anchors like Huntingdon College, the Old Cloverdale Historic District and the neighborhood business district.

Revitalizing the East Fairview Avenue Streetscape in Montgomery

The primary goal of the master plan is to breathe new life into the corridor while directly aligning with the Envision Montgomery 2040 Comprehensive Plan. For years, neighbors and local business owners have voiced concerns over fast-moving traffic, poor or non-existent sidewalks and a lackluster streetscape environment.

To address this, the city’s economic development department previously hosted community workshops, giving citizens a direct voice in the design. The recommended priorities focus on:

• Pedestrian infrastructure
• Bicycle connectivity
• Overall safety

Huntingdon College President Anthony Lee threw his support behind the project during the public planning meeting, highlighting three major wins for the community:

• Significantly reducing the speed of traffic
• Creating a much more pedestrian-friendly space for students + neighbors
• Enhancing the overall beauty and aesthetic of East Fairview Avenue

New roundabout + bike lanes near Huntingdon College

So, what will the proposed East Fairview Avenue design actually look like? The plan outlines several major structural changes designed to slow down traffic and boost walkability:

• The Cloverdale Roundabout: The current red-light intersection at East Fairview Avenue, Woodley Road and Cloverdale Road will be transformed into a modern roundabout to safely slow down vehicles and allow pedestrians to cross easily.
• Two-Lane Bike Path: Moving toward Huntingdon College, a dedicated two-lane bike path will be installed.
• Protected Infrastructure: The plan calls for concrete delineators to physically prevent vehicles from crossing into the new bike lanes.
• Pedestrian Crossings: Brick pavers will be utilized for highly visible, attractive pedestrian crossovers.
• Campus Branding: At College Street, custom Huntingdon College logo elements will be integrated into the design.

By replacing high-speed asphalt layout designs with a community-focused streetscape, Montgomery is taking a big step toward a safer, more connected future.

What do you think about the proposed roundabout + new bike lanes coming to East Fairview Avenue? Let us know on Facebook.