The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) held an informational meeting May 21 at Drewry Mason Elementary School to explain some of the proposed changes/improvements to 6.5 miles of U.S. 220, between U.S. 58 and the North Carolina state border.
Currently, the project is in the planning stages, and “we are looking at improvements such as restructuring areas with low visibility,” said Mary Mays Yahl, the project manager at RK&K. There are substantial crashes along parts of the route. Crashes are also a concern, with a high fatality rating of 35 percent on the extension of the road going from the North Carolina border.
The main concern of the renovation is the southern part of U.S. 220 leading into North Carolina. To combat this, the road would be straightened, and several new intersections created. The current model shows several “R” cuts, similar to the one in Blacksburg, Va., and thru-cuts to help regulate the flow of traffic. Some turning lanes will be lengthened, and new intersections will be added.
The southbound lane would also be changed under the closed model to change the original lane to a residential road. It is hoped the changes would help reduce crashes by 46 percent and reduce severe crashes by 63 percent. Contact points would also be reduced from 32 to 20, VDOT officials said.
Many intersections along the route would fall to Grade D, and most movements would fall to Grade F by 2050. Additionally, studies show that by 2050, many of the intersections would take several minutes to cross.
Officials said the eastbound off ramp is acceptable, but has a history of crashes. That can be improved, according to VDOT, who also discussed adding flashers for northbound traffic and a signal ahead of flashers.
“I think there are some concepts that are new to people. I think that sometimes people struggle with change, but if you really look at what we are doing here, it will improve safety and increase traffic flow along this section,” said VDOT spokesperson Jason Bond.
Support for the changes seems positive.
“We need it today, we don’t need it tomorrow,” said County Administrator Dale Wagoner.
Del. Eric Phillips, R-Henry County, also supports the restructuring.
“I think anyone who drives 220 southbound and drives beside a double tractor-trailer would hope that we straighten out those curves and flatten those hills. That’s the goal. This is a positive thing,” he said, adding that he owns a business that involves double tractor-trailers and said it was concerning for truck drivers as well.
“Not only as a passenger, but a business owner, it’s a risky little drive through there,” Phillips said. “Our area in Virginia has the fastest growing immigration in any part of Virginia,” with 9,000 leaving to work, and 9,000 people coming into the area for work each day. “It’s only going to increase as we build out these business parks.”
As part of the restructuring project, VDOT is requesting public input via an online survey that is available through 11:59 p.m. June 3. The project is still in the works and no restructuring designs are finalized.
