In an announcement, Virginia Department of Transportation, VDOT, will hold a citizen information meeting to present conceptual plans for a new 2.61-mile, two-lane divided roadway that would connect Prices Fork Road to Southgate Drive on the campus of Virginia Tech from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 22 at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center (901 Prices Fork Road) in Blacksburg.
As part of the project, connections to other existing roads also would be developed.
According to the VDOT website dedicated to this project, building the new road would involve the following connections:
•Constructing a new section of road, Visitor Center Spur Road, to provide access to Virginia Tech’s Visitor Center
•Relocating Duck Pond Drive to a new connection at Perry Street/West Campus Drive intersection
•Extending Washington Street
•Relocating a portion of Smithfield Road
•Creating a new intersection at Oak Lane
Accommodations for various forms of alternative transportation such as bicycles, pedestrians and public transit have been incorporated in the concepts, the announcement said.
The new road and connections are intended to relieve congestion, improve connectivity and enhance safety. Phases of this project could be further developed and constructed as future funding becomes available.
The meeting is being held to provide an opportunity for citizens or organizations to give input on the project and will be held in an “open-house” format. VDOT representatives will be present to discuss the project and answer questions.
Comments about the project may be submitted at the meeting or until May 2, 2019, to Mr. Tim Dowdy, Project Manager, 731 Harrison Avenue, Salem, VA 24153. Comments also can be emailed to tim.dowdy@vdot.virginia.gov
Please reference “Western Perimeter Road Public Comment” in the subject heading.
Anyone requiring special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting may contact Tim Dowdy at 540-387-5353, 800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711.
The project page on VDOT’s website can be found at:
www.virginiadot.org/projects/salem/western-perimeter-road-on-virginia-tech-campus—blacksburg.asp
–Liz Kirchner
