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Goochland highlights SmartScale wins, sets timeline for Ashland Road I‑64 interchange and Rockville Road study
Summary
Transportation staff reported state and regional awards that together fund multiple interchange and Route 288 projects, said the Ashland Road I‑64 divergent diamond design‑build is expected to be awarded in Sept. 2026 with completion targeted in 2029, and previewed a Rockville Road realignment study and public outreach in 2026.
Goochland County’s transportation director briefed the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 19 about large, state‑funded transportation projects, short‑term timelines and the county’s strategy for pursuing future SmartScale and CTB funding.
Austin told the board the Ashland Road I‑64 divergent diamond interchange (DDI) design‑build has been released for bid and that the Commonwealth Transportation Board is expected to award the contract in September 2026. The county is aiming for full project completion in late summer or early fall 2029.
“Contractor and designer come in as a team,” Austin said, describing the design‑build procurement and the schedule compression the approach allows. He also said the Fairgrounds Extension (previously discussed because of a waterline interconnection) is in right‑of‑way acquisition and that construction solicitations may be issued in early 2027 with completion anticipated around January 2029.
Austin reviewed the county’s SmartScale Round 6 successes (three projects awarded) and a large CTB/GARVEE award that funded a Route 288 southbound running lane project; collectively the county has leveraged more than $260 million in transportation funding across recent cycles, with roughly $42 million in Route 6 awards noted for the most recent round. He recommended the board authorize consultant assistance for SmartScale Round 7, proposing a not‑to‑exceed contract (~$175,000) for application work and asked for up to $250,000 in FY27 operating funds to enable earlier, better‑vetted applications.
On Rockville Road, staff outlined high‑level concepts to realign the route to meet the comprehensive plan and to address intersections that sit in the floodplain. Austin said the county kicked off consultant analysis in November and met with VDOT in December; staff expects to submit study proposals and begin public engagement in early 2026 to position the work for SmartScale readiness in 2028.
What’s next: staff will seek direction to contract pre‑application and SmartScale support, continue coordination with VDOT on right of way and design schedules, and bring Rockville realignment analysis and public engagement plans back to the board in early 2026.
