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Council approves SmartScale grant application for Amherst Street safety and flow projects
Summary
Council authorized staff to apply for VDOT SmartScale funding for a package of safety and traffic-flow improvements on Amherst Street and Route 50, including left-turn restrictions, added left-turn lanes and signal timing changes; funding, if awarded, likely available several years out.
On July 9 the Winchester City Council approved a resolution authorizing an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s SmartScale program for a multi-component project aimed at improving safety and traffic flow on Amherst Street and Route 50 west of Route 37. Public Services Director Perry Eisenach described proposed elements: restricting certain left turns out of a McDonald’s driveway, adding a second left-turn lane eastbound on Amherst at Campus Boulevard, adding second left-turn lanes at the Meadow Branch intersection, adjusting signal timing to require left turns only on a protected arrow, and pedestrian-safety improvements at the same intersections.
Eisenach said the state typically funds SmartScale awards in later years and that implementation would not be immediate (he estimated funding availability about seven years out). He noted Winchester has had prior SmartScale success for projects including the Green Circle final phase and signal improvements. Council moved and approved the SmartScale application resolution by roll call.
Outcome: Resolution R2024-20 to apply for SmartScale funds was approved; the application does not obligate the city to borrow funds but positions the city for state-supported construction if awarded.
