If you ever drive the area during rush hour, you know traffic around the Route 29 and 250 Bypass interchange can be jammed, or even dangerous at times. The Virginia Department of Transportation is working on
a plan to make the area safer and less congested, and representatives want your input.
The project is in its preliminary stages, but VDOT plans to add a lane in that area, and widen the ramp from Route 29 up to the 250 Bypass. Engineers are also considering an auxiliary lane for merging on and off the 250 Bypass, which would stretch from the Route 29 interchange to the Barrack's Road exit.
The city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County governments have already expressed to VDOT that working out traffic issues at the interchange is a top priority for them in future transportation endeavors and spending.
VDOT spokesperson Stacy Londrey explained, "It is the congestion. It's also access to the businesses in the area. It's sort of a tight space. Residents there who are very close to both roads as well as the businesses."
At this point, VDOT estimates the interchange improvements will cost about $7.5 million. Representatives have about $4.2 million secured, and that funding prediction includes $2 million from area governments. That leaves the remaining balance at $2.2 million to be paid by the state.
Wednesday's informational meeting will be an open house style, where VDOT engineers and workers will be on hand to talk face-to-face with anyone who wants to attend. You can also submit a comment until July 6th.
The next step is a design public hearing set for fall of this year, and VDOT will likely advertise for construction bids in November 2014.
"We're so early in the design process that we can go a number of different ways, and so it's a chance to be able to give your feedback and also to hear more about the project so you're informed, can talk to your neighbors and get more people involved," Londrey said.
The public meeting runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Holiday Inn on Route 29.
