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Nelson County endorses Smart Scale applications for two Route 151 improvements
Summary
The Board unanimously endorsed two Smart Scale funding applications on June 11: a Route 151/Tanbark roundabout (preliminary estimate ~$9 million) and turn-lane improvements at Rockfish School Lane and Route 151 (~$1.3 million). VDOT noted seasonal traffic and will continue to press OIPI for funding on the Rockfish project.
The Nelson County Board of Supervisors on June 11 voted unanimously to endorse two Smart Scale (HB2) applications seeking state transportation funding for improvements along Route 151.
VDOT pre-application lead Carson Eckhardt presented the projects: a roundabout at Route 151 and Tanbark Drive, with a preliminary cost estimate of about $9 million that could shift depending on exact location and design, and dedicated turn lanes at Rockfish School Lane and Route 151 with a preliminary estimate of about $1.3 million.
Eckhardt told the Board that the Rockfish School Lane application faced scoring challenges because the VTRANS need point for the corridor lies about a half-mile away; VDOT and local planners are "battling with OIPI" to keep the project in contention because seasonal event traffic increases corridor demand.
Supervisor Ernie Q. Reed moved to approve Resolution R2024-43 endorsing submission of both applications; Dr. Jessica L. Ligon seconded the motion, and the Board approved it by roll call (4-0). The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission had already signed off on both projects.
What happens next: staff and VDOT will refine project locations and cost estimates and submit full Smart Scale applications for state consideration; if funded, design and right-of-way work will follow that award.
