New traffic patterns went into effect early this morning on Route 29 near Rio Road in Albemarle County. Two median crossovers were closed and two temporary signals were activated to accommodate construction activities on the Rio Road grade-separated intersection project. Although the new patterns have changed access to several commercial entrances, all areas remain open for business.
The existing intersections on Route 29 at Fashion Square Drive and Albemarle Square were closed overnight. At both locations, the traffic signals have been deactivated and the crossovers blocked with barriers. Entrances into Fashion Square Mall and Albemarle Square will remain open to traffic making right turns into and out of both driveways.
The intersection closures are necessary for utility relocation work in the Route 29 median and for construction of retaining walls that will allow the Route 29 through lanes to be built beneath Rio Road by contractor Lane-Corman Joint Venture.
Early this morning temporary signal-controlled crossovers opened at Berkmar Drive, just south of Fashion Square Drive, for full access in all directions, and near Myers Drive, just north of Albemarle Square, where the only permitted movement will be U-turns from northbound Route 29 to reach the southbound lanes. The Route 29 Solutions website has a web page that provides detailed information about the closures and traffic impacts.
The Virginia Department of Transportation reminds motorists that construction is under way in several areas along Route 29 between Airport Road and the Route 29/Route 250 interchange. Speed limits have been reduced and traffic lanes have been shifted. Traffic patterns will continue to change as construction proceeds and motorists should allow extra time for travel and be alert for directional signs and traffic controls as they approach the work zones.
The temporary crossovers and signals will remain operational through substantial completion of the Rio Road project on Sept. 2, 2016. Lane closures are limited to nights between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. to minimize disruptions.
The Rio Road grade-separated intersection project is one of eight Route 29 Solutions highway projects to improve safety and increase mobility along the Route 29 corridor in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. To learn more, visit Route29Solutions.org.
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