VDOT to extend Mosby Boulevard

By Alex Bridges - abridges@nvdaily.com

BERRYVILLE -- Clarke County residents can expect changes at a major intersection near the new high school by 2012.

The Virginia Department of Transportation plans to extend Mosby Boulevard to Main Street (Business Va. 7) opposite Westwood Road, according to a news release issued this week. VDOT also would build a roundabout in the middle of the intersection of the three roads, approximately 60 feet from where Westwood Road currently meets Main Street, the release states. A pedestrian-bicycle path would extend along Mosby through the roundabout and to the existing network, according to VDOT.

VDOT estimates the project will cost $3.4 million.

Well before construction begins, VDOT plans to hear from residents about the proposed project. The agency will hold a design public hearing Jan. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m., in the Berryville/Clarke County Government Center, 101 Chalmers Court. In case of inclement weather, VDOT will hold the meeting a week later at the same time and location.

VDOT representatives and designers will be on hand at the hearing to answer questions and hear from residents as well as to take written comments. A court reporter will record oral comments. People may submit written comments for up to 10 days after the hearing to Michael Fulcher, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA 24401-9029.

A traffic study showed an average of 1,200 vehicles traveled on Mosby Boulevard each day in 2009. VDOT estimates this number will rise to 1,800 by 2034, according to the release.

VDOT officials expect much of the construction to take place in the spring and summer of 2012 when school is out of session to minimize traffic impacts. Work would require traffic control and lane closure, the release notes.