New roundabout + bike lanes secured for Montgomery’s East Fairview Avenue

It is officially a go for one of the most highly anticipated infrastructure projects in the capital city.

The Montgomery City Council has officially greenlit the East Fairview Avenue streetscape master plan, passing the project with unanimous support during its Tuesday night meeting. This final approval means the city can transition from planning to action, bringing a sweeping wave of multi-modal upgrades to the historic neighborhood corridor.

What the East Fairview Avenue master plan means for Montgomery’s walkability

If you frequently drive, walk or bike through the area, you know how vital this stretch of road is. The overarching streetscape master plan is designed to entirely reimagine the layout of East Fairview Avenue to prioritize safety and connectivity.

Key goals of the project include:

• Easing traffic congestion: Introducing smarter traffic patterns, including a highly anticipated new roundabout, to keep cars moving safely.
• Pedestrian + cyclist enhancements: Building safer, more accessible sidewalks and dedicated bike infrastructure to encourage multi-modal travel.
• Economic + neighborhood vibrancy: Strengthening the aesthetic and functional appeal of the surrounding business and college streetscape districts.

This final nod from the City Council follows another crucial milestone in late June, when the project earned unanimous approval from the Montgomery City Planning Commission. Throughout the development process, city officials prioritized community engagement, meeting extensively with local neighborhood associations to gather feedback and refine the vision.

Transforming the Huntingdon College student experience + local workforce

The transformation of the corridor directly impacts one of the city’s most beloved institutions. Huntingdon College President Dr. Anthony Leigh was present at the meeting to voice the university’s strong support for the streetscape improvements.

“Huntingdon College is exceedingly excited about this. We are a front door for the city of Montgomery and each year, we attract thousands of visitors to Montgomery.”

— Dr. Anthony Leigh, President, Huntingdon College

Leigh emphasized that the impact of the streetscape extends far beyond current campus boundaries. He shared that once Huntingdon students graduate, the goal is to see them stay local and join the Montgomery-area workforce. According to Leigh, this project will help create a far more welcoming and inviting “doormat” for the institution, making the entire district a place where young professionals want to live and build careers.

District 7 Councilman Andrew Szymanski, who represents the area, echoed the sentiment, noting that the long-term benefits stretch deep into Montgomery’s economic future.

“We are creating neighborhoods and creating spaces that are going to be used by one of our biggest future assets—that asset is graduating college students.”

— Andrew Szymanski, District 7 Councilman

With the green light secured, Montgomery is one step closer to a safer, more vibrant and better-connected neighborhood hub.

What part of the new East Fairview Avenue streetscape plan are you most excited to see come to life? Tell us your thoughts on Facebook.