VDOT: bridge work wrapping up, traffic review planned for Route 29 crossing

Carrie Shepherd, VDOT resident engineer for the Charlottesville residency, updated the Madison County Board on the quarterly transportation report and answered resident concerns about a pedestrian crossing on Route 29.

Shepherd said the Pine Hill Road bridge final inspection was completed ahead of schedule, with project closeout expected the week of Dec. 23. Courtney Hollow Lane structure replacement work is open but awaiting final paving when weather permits. Lillard's Ford Road pipe replacement began Dec. 1 with a brief detour; Weaver Hollow Road (Route 641) washout repairs were substantially complete and the road remains open pending a concrete slab and curing window.

On a public-safety item, resident Emmett Aylor asked whether there is a way to make the Route 29/Maple Drive intersection safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Shepherd said VDOT will have its traffic engineering team review signal timing and potential treatments such as beaconed crossings, but any built infrastructure would require funding. "The first step will just be looking at the cycle times to see what we can allow for the pedestrian movements across," she said, and said she would follow up with the board on options.

Shepherd also reported progress on the Swinging Bridge project, noting right-of-entry agreements are being finalized with property owners and removal is targeted for February, weather permitting. On localized safety reviews, Shepherd said U-turn movements at Route 29/Shelby Road will remain allowed unless a crash pattern establishes a safety issue.