The Route 29 Project Delivery Advisory Panel, comprised of local government representatives and business owners, met Thursday at the Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research to discuss updates on the construction and traffic aspects of the Route 29 Solutions package.
Route 29 Solutions consists of three main projects: the widening of Route 29 from Polo Grounds Road to Towncenter Drive, the extension of Berkmar Drive from Hilton Heights Road to Hollymead Town Center and the grade separation of Rio Road and Route 29. Officials expect to complete the package on or before Oct. 30, 2017.
There are three design-build teams on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s short-list for the construction contract. Advisory Panel Facilitator Philip Shucet said he is hopeful the package will inspire quality work within the set timeframe.
“The carrot is going to be an attractive package,” Shucet said. “I expect it to inspire serious engineering and construction thought about how to get in here and how to get out.”
VDOT will use the penalty of financial loss to motivate the chosen firm to meet deadlines.
“The other side of that coin is that it will cost you money if you don’t finish,” Shucet said. “But the pain of not finishing will be a lot more than a few bucks. We’re putting our reputation on the line.”
One such expectation for the construction firm is the Rio Road construction will take place from May 23, 2016 to Sept. 2, 2016. Panelists voiced concern about the traffic volume during this period, specifically at the Rio Road intersection with Route 29.
Henry Weinschenk, CEO of Express Car Wash Inc, said traffic could exceed the two-lane Route 29 southbound’s carrying capacity. Existing traffic volume on the highway is 2,023 vehicles per hour. Weinschenk said he believes the two lanes could accommodate up to 2,300 vehicles per hour, but drivers would face longer commutes and slower speeds.
“I am not trying to make the point that nobody will notice that they are driving through a construction zone,” Shucet said.
The Rio project may also impact local property owners — including through the construction of underground stormwater management facilities, which will require traffic disruption in some areas.
Regional Transportation Program Manager Dave Covington said the stormwater solutions will be a minimally invasive approach from an aesthetic perspective, that the areas will be restored to their original condition, and that VDOT is working closely with the public.
“We are being careful to share these ideas with property owners, get feedback, and make changes as necessary,” Covington said.
Covington presented a rendering of the Rio Road intersection with Route 29 to the panel and asked members to provide feedback.
“What you see there is a blank slate and what we’re asking for is for you to help us color in the blank slate,” Covington said.
The panel will next meet at the same location on Oct. 9.
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