NE 9th Street Milling and Resurfacing
Project Overview
The NE 9th Street project with limits from East University Avenue to NE 23rd Avenue is intended to improve pavement conditions and enhance safety for all users. The project scope includes:
- Milling and resurfacing the asphalt pavement
- Removal of street parking to allow space for 6-foot wide protected bike lanes
- Bike ramps and wider sidewalks at the NE 8th Avenue roundabout in addition to updated roadway signage and striping
- Widening and traffic signal reconstruction at NE 16th Avenue and NE 23rd Avenue to facilitate continuity of bike lanes
- Raised intersections and crosswalks with rapid rectangular flashing beacons at NE 3rd Avenue, NE 10th Avenue and Howard Bishop Middle School
- Addition of a dedicated north bound right turn lane at Howard Bishop Middle School
- Modifications to curb ramps for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Modifications to address drainage concerns
- Repair of damaged sidewalk and driveways
Update on Tree Removals
The NE Ninth Street project initially required the removal of eight trees within the right-of-way to build continuous bike lanes through the intersections at NE 16th Avenue and NE 23rd Ave. Five trees were removed at NE 16th and three at NE 23rd. Continuous bike lanes are being provided for bicycle safety in accordance with Vision Zero principles.
These tree removals were discussed with the Tree Advisory Board on Dec. 13, 2023, and board members voted unanimously to support the removals. Meeting minutes are posted below.
The NE Ninth Street project was presented to the City Commission at the July 25, 2024, General Policy Committee (GPC) meeting. The tree removals were noted in the agenda item and presentation. Ultimately, the project scope approved by the City Commission included the removal of the original eight trees. Those meeting records are also provided below.
As Ninth Street construction progressed, crews identified eight additional right-of-way trees that were in conflict with the bike lane improvements. Public Works reports that four of those trees were saved. Two were saved the week of July 20, 2026, when Public Works crews realized they could realign the adjacent driveways and keep the trees. Two more were saved in response to neighbor concerns voiced on July 30 and were protected through redesign work in the field. In total, 12 trees including one palm tree were removed along the corridor.
All of the trees involved in this project were located within the public right-of-way. Trees in the right-of-way are managed differently from regulated trees on public or private parcels because they are part of the transportation corridor and must be evaluated in conjunction with roadway design, utility infrastructure and public safety needs.
- Tree Advisory Board Meeting Minutes 12/13/2023 – “Improvements need to be made to NE Ninth Street for bike and public safety, especially in the intersections. Crash statistics showed 15 crashes over the past five years. In order to make the safety improvements seven right-of-way trees need to be removed. Eric, Larsen, Marc and Sam shared their experiences with biking on the street and agreed they felt safety is compromised. A motion was made by Member Manley, seconded by Member Frank – After careful and thoughtful consideration we are in favor of removing the indicated trees due to the importance of pubic safety. Unanimous.”
Planning and Public Engagement
The City of Gainesville Public Works Department engaged with neighbors during the planning phase for this project. A public workshop was held on Jan. 23, 2024, at Howard Bishop Middle School, with approximately 60 neighbors in attendance. 428 postcards were distributed as part of the outreach effort, each including a QR code linking to a project survey. A total of 478 residents responded, providing valuable feedback which was analyzed and taken into consideration for the final project scope. On July 25, 2024, the Public Works Department presented a summary of the public involvement phase along with scoping recommendations to the City Commission.
View the full presentation on public engagement and scope approval(PDF, 4MB)
View the public workshop summary report(PDF, 22MB)
Project Schedule
Design Phase
Construction Phase
- Scheduled to begin June 2026
- Anticipated completion Spring 2027
Project Location and Plans
View the project plans(PDF, 17MB) 
Click here for an enlarged map of project location(PDF, 4MB)
Project Updates
8/18/26
The NE 9th St & NE 3rd Ave intersection will be closed from August 24, 2026, to September 27, 2026, for roadway construction improvements.
8/6/26
Construction continues to progress along NE 9th Street. This week, crews are constructing the raised intersection and driveways near Howard Bishop Middle School (HBMS) and continuing sidewalk, drainage improvements, and widening.
Work will continue this weekend (Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9). NE 9th Street between NE 14th Avenue and NE 23rd Avenue remains on track to reopen to through traffic on Sunday, August 9. Thank you for your patience as we improve safety and accessibility along the corridor.
4/30/26
Construction Notice to Proceed issued to contractor with a start date of June 1, 2026
Contact details
Rod Antunes, Ph.D., P.E., Project Manager
352-393-8408
- Contractor nameVE Whitehurst & Sons