As you’re probably aware, the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved funding for a series of projects along the Route 29 corridor this past June, an investment of over $250 million in our community. This series of projects, the “Route 29 Solutions” package, will increase capacity and efficiency along Route 29, while providing alternate routes on parallel roads to help reduce congestion on Route 29.
These projects include the Route 29/250 Interchange (“Best Buy” ramp), extensions of Berkmar Drive and Hillsdale Drive, improvements to the Rio Road and Hydraulic Road intersections, widening of 29 between Polo Grounds Road and Towncenter Drive, and adaptive traffic signal technology. Early projects are already underway now and larger projects will be starting over the course of the next several years.
There has been a lot of discussion in the community about the Rio Road intersection in particular. VDOT has required the contractor to maintain through traffic along Route 29 throughout the construction. All existing right-in, right-out business entrances will be maintained during all phases of construction and will remain open after construction is complete. During the 103-day period between May 23, 2016 and September 2, 2016, traffic traveling along Rio Road will be restricted to right-turn movements at Route 29, with posted detours to direct traffic accordingly, including a temporary signalized crossover at Berkmar Drive and Route 29. This crossover will be equipped to allow emergency responders to control the signal and emergency responders are working closely with VDOT to mitigate traffic flow issues.
While the start of major construction is still a few months away, VDOT and the County are working hard to ensure that residents, institutions, and businesses are aware of the projects and their potential impacts. In addition, the County is leading a process to ensure that Police, Fire Rescue, the Emergency Communication Center, school transportation, County staff, and VDOT are working closely to anticipate and mitigate issues that may arise during construction.
Background Materials
- VDOT project overview presentation
- Diagram of the Maintenance of Traffic that the contractor will be required to maintain during construction of the Rio Road Grade Separated Interchange
- 10 Things to Know about the 29 Solutions package
- A two-page overview of the projects
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Message to the Community from Virginia Secretary of Transportation, Aubrey Layne (You may need to open this link with Firefox or Chrome.)
Stay Engaged
You can always find the latest project information on VDOT’s project site: www.route29solutions.org
If you have questions or would like to have someone present on the projects at a school event, please contact Emily Kilroy, Albemarle County Community Engagement Specialist, at (434) 296-5841 ext. 3422 or ekilroy@albemarle.org.
There are so many ways to stay engaged:
Facebook – Twitter – Engage Albemarle – County “A-Mail”