The reconstruction of Route 285 (Tinkling Spring Road) at Interstate 64 exit 91 in Augusta County has reached a project milestone, resulting in lane shifts and detours starting the week of November 10. The Virginia Department of Transportation will move traffic onto newly built portions of Route 636 (Lifecore Drive) and Route 285 in Fishersville, and there will be overnight detours on I-64 as contractors begin demolition of the old Route 285 bridge.
On Monday, November 10 starting about 9 p.m., crews will work on pavement markings and temporary traffic signals in preparation for a lane shift along Route 636 just west of Route 285. Traffic will begin using the new lanes and signals by the early morning hours of Tuesday.
On Tuesday, November 11 starting about 9 p.m., pavement marking and signal work will take place along Route 285 from Route 625 (Midway Lane) to about 0.2 mile south of Route 935 (Expo Road). Drivers will begin using new lanes and signals on Route 285, including the new interstate bridge, by the early morning hours of Wednesday.
Beginning Wednesday, November 12 from about 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night, alternating eastbound and westbound closures on I-64 during demolition of the old Route 285 bridge over the interstate. Drivers will be directed to use the off- and on-ramps at exit 91. These overnight detours expected to continue for several weeks.
The Route 285 project is roughly at the halfway point, but motorists will already benefit from several traffic improvements including longer turn lanes for the I-64 on-ramps and at the intersection with Route 636.
When the project is complete Route 285 will have four lanes for just over one mile, from Route 636 to Route 935. The bridge over I-64 is being widened to accommodate the additional through lanes and dual left-turn lanes at both on-ramps. Additional turn lanes at the Route 285/636 intersection will handle traffic from the nearby hospital complex. Route 285 will also have a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded Shirley Contracting a $21 million design-build contract in September 2012. The company is performing the work in three phases, starting with construction of the new bridge over I-64 and widening the roadway to the west side of Route 285. Final completion of the project is scheduled for August 2015.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org. For other assistance call the VDOT Customer Service Center, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Citizens can dial 1-800-FOR- ROAD (1-800-367-7623) from anywhere in the state to report road hazards, ask transportation questions, or get information related to Virginia’s roads.
The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr,Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at www.VirginiaDOT.org.
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