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VDOT proposes roundabout at Route 151 & Tanbark in Smart Scale pre-application; county hears corridor study results
Summary
VDOT presented Route 151 corridor findings and recommended Smart Scale pre-applications including a proposed roundabout at Route 151 and Tanbark, modifications at Mill Lane, and consideration of Rockfish School Lane; public engagement results and Smart Scale deadlines were discussed.
VDOT staff briefed the Nelson County Board of Supervisors on March 12, 2024 about the Route 151 corridor study and related Smart Scale pre-applications. Carson Eckhardt reported public engagement included 829 survey participants with more than 1,000 comments and that public feedback informed the alternatives now being refined for Round 6 of Smart Scale.
Eckhardt said the first Smart Scale submission will be a proposed roundabout at Route 151 and Tanbark; the concept has VTrans support and scored high on potential safety improvement (PSI) metrics. He further described proposals at Route 151 & Mill Lane — including a dedicated northbound left turn lane and access modifications for the gas station — and noted Route 151 & Rockfish School Lane would be included as part of the corridor submission despite mixed internal support. Eckhardt outlined the Smart Scale schedule and documentation requirements for Round 6: pre-applications open March 1 and close April 1; supporting documentation due July 15; full applications due Aug. 1.
VDOT’s Robert Brown also updated the Board on operational items: data collection for the Route 151 traffic study is complete and engineers are reviewing counts and speed studies with final conclusions expected in April; VDOT’s pedestrian study at the Main Street/Route 29 crossing in Lovingston continues; culvert fabrication for Route 674 (Jenny’s Creek Road) is underway with installation anticipated in early April; and truck restriction signs for the Tye River Road underpass have been ordered. Supervisor Thomas D. Harvey expressed skepticism about some consultant-derived crash data and cautioned against rushing proposals without local validation.
Why it matters: proposed geometric changes and Smart Scale funding could alter traffic flow and safety on a busy corridor and influence funding priorities for local infrastructure. The county’s planning staff and the TJPDC will coordinate pre-applications on the County’s behalf.
Next steps: VDOT will refine project sketches and cost estimates; the TJPDC will submit pre-applications; County staff will continue coordination and may address funding decisions or priorities during upcoming budget and planning sessions.
