Route 29/250 Bypass interchange improvements

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Route 29/250 Bypass interchange improvements
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Completed

Project Overview

Reconstruction with added capacity
Cost $17.2 million
Location Charlottesville
Sponsor VDOT

Status Update

Under construction

Website http://route29solutions.org/learn_more/1._route_29-route_250_interchange_improvements_best_buy.asp
VDOT Dashboard [1]

The Route 29/250 Bypass interchanges improvements, otherwise known as the Best Buy Ramp, refers to a $17.2 million project built by the Virginia Department of Transportation. [1] [2]

Fielder's Choice Enteprises won the contract and the goal of completing the project by May 21, 2016 was met. [3] [4]

The project is one of the Route 29 Solutions.

Background

The improvements are designed to improve the capacity of the intersection of U.S. 29 and U.S. 250. They are based on plans identified in the 29H250 study.

In summary, the plans call for additional lane on the ramp leading from U.S. 29 onto the westbound U.S. 250 bypass. This second lane will be extended all the way to the Barracks Road exit.

This project was listed on the MPO Policy Board's Transportation Improvement Program, indicating that it is a regional priority.[5]

The project was initially being planned by the City of Charlottesville. They had accrued $4.2 million in state and federal funds to implement the plan, but they required more money to complete the design. [6]

In 2010, the MPO asked former Congressman Tom Perriello to secure a $517,000 earmark to pay for final design, but this was not successful. The city was also expected to receive $1 million from the developer Edens and Avant as a proffer from the Stonefield development.

In the spring of 2011, VDOT assumed control of the project, but the city continued to be the source of funding. [7] VDOT is currently updating traffic data and hopes the project can be complete by November 2014. [8] [9]

In June 2012, the estimate for the project increased to $7.5 million following a redesign by VDOT. Plans designed by RK&K were unveiled to the public at a meeting on June 20, 2012. A second information meeting will be held in the fall of 2012. VDOT is hoping to advertise the project for bids in the fall of 2014 with construction in 2015. [1]

The city's PLACE Design Task Force asked at a meeting in July that the barriers be as simple as possible. [10]


Timeline

  • September 2007: City Council authorizes $500,000 in city money to attain $1,000,000 in VDOT revenue sharing money [11]
  • June 7, 2011: Council votes to send letter to VDOT asking them to assume control of project[7]
  • June 20, 2011: Public information meeting
  • December 17, 2014: Fielder's Choice Enterprises is the lowest bidder at $11.1 million. [3]
  • March 2, 2015: Construction begins
  • May 21, 2016: Construction completed

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Web. VDOT shares preliminary design for ‘Best Buy Ramp’ project, Brian Wheeler, Charlottesville Tomorrow, June 20, 2012, retrieved June 25, 2012.
  2. Web. MPO adopts fast-tracked U.S. 29 projects, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, July 24, 2014, retrieved August 6, 2014.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Web. MPO considers priorities for unallocated long-range plan funding, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, December 17, retrieved December 18, 2014.
  4. Web. [http://www.tjpdc.org//agendas_and_minutes/mpoPoli/age_mpoPoli_15_03_25.asp Charlottesville- Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Area Transportation Projects Project Status Matrix], Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, retrieved March 25, 2015.
  5. FY09-12 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. Rep. Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization. Web. 13 Oct. 2009. <http://www.tjpdc.org/pdf/TIP/FINAL_%20FY09%20TIP.pdf>
  6. Web. City expects 29/250 interchange improvements in 2014, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, March 21, 2011, retrieved March 21, 2011.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Web. VDOT may assume control of U.S. 29/250 project, Sean Tubbs, June 11, 2011, retrieved June 10, 2011.
  8. Web. Charlottesville- Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization - September 12, 2011, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, September 12, 2011, retrieved September 28, 2011.
  9. Web. Design work on U.S. 29 widening to start this summer, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, February 26, 2012, retrieved February 28, 2012.
  10. Web. City committee pans design for Best Buy ramp sound barriers, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, July 10, 2014, retrieved August 5, 2014.
  11. Web. City Council authorizes spending for 250/29 improvements, Sean Tubbs, Charlottesville Tomorrow, September 6, 2007, retrieved May 3, 2011.