0 likes

Another way would be to decrease the need for new road construction. The County could start by restricting connections to our key highways, like Rt. 33, until we find a way to fund the something better than at-grade stop light intersections.

By way of reference, a typical budget for a correct overpass on Rt. 33 would be $8 million each. By adding yet another intersection on Rt. 33 the County has sent us down the path of expensive highway improvements, or an eventual Harrisonburg Beltway to, which has been HUGELY unpopular. But I see that as inevitable, and conveniently beyond the tenure of our current BOS members.

   0 likes

Board of Supervisors were told yesterday that VDOT will fund 30-40 percent less for construction this year. I think I heard Joe Paxton say that the county would be spending more on just the roads for the new schools than VDOT will be spending on the county’s entire secondary road system this coming fiscal year. Don’t hold me to that, but I’m pretty sure that’s what I heard during yesterday’s meeting.

I guess one major point is that the county really needs to begin worrying about extra funding for the 33 corridor. I know they have studied it and that the MPO is aware, but they need to start finding some cash.

   0 likes

There will also be improvements and increased traffic at Cross Keys Rd (Rt276) as that becomes the Harrisonburg bypass to the Mt. Crawford exit on I-81. That shortcut is in jeopardy as the House of Delegates continues to fritter with their Transportation funding responsibilities.

All of these intersection ‘improvements’ are at-grade and were funded by the adjacent developers – no overpasses, or on/off ramps.

The I-81 improvements are a priority and paid for by the state. Things like overpasses on Rt.33 are secondary road improvements and will have to be proposed and funded largely by the County…so don’t count on it in your lifetime. This is the price of sprawl into the County – inadequate transportation funding.

   0 likes

The road names escape me, but there are two major intersections headed out towards Spotswood High School. If I remember correctly the proposed connector roads will cause extra traffic at the intersection called “the crossroads.” It’s already very busy and cutting lights out of that intersection would prove very beneficial in the future. That benefit would be even greater if development proposed for Elkton, McGayesville and Penn Laird ever materialize.

Hope that vague description makes sense. I hate to be short on hard facts as well, but I’m sure you get the point.

   0 likes

   0 likes

I don’t think the cloverleaf would be any where near as dangerous if people would read the signs and merge into the left lane until they pass it. I can tell you that I’d rather be rear-ended trying to merge, than pull out in front of a tractor trailer that is going entirely too fast.

Maybe I’m just overly defensive of my town.

   0 likes

Let’s also start saving now for the cloverleaf and overpass that needs to be built a little further down Route 33 east.

Karl, what are you talking about?

   0 likes

I agree that the interchange is dangerous, just think that a ramp that passes over 33 would be better than a light. Why stop traffic when you can keep it moving?

   0 likes