CULPEPER – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing to provide information on the design and location of the planned replacement of the Advance Mills Bridge. Public comment on the proposed replacement project will also be taken at this meeting.

The hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Best Western Charlottesville Airport Inn & Suites, Rivanna Room, 5920 Seminole Trail, Ruckersville.

The bridge will replace the current one-lane steel truss structure that was closed in the spring of 2007 due to severe deterioration of the structural members that support the bridge. Engineering and right-of-way work is under way for the replacement bridge, which is scheduled for construction during 2009. The new bridge will be a two-lane structure with a wide shoulder to accommodate bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Information available at the meeting will include preliminary plans for the design of the replacement bridge and bridge approaches, the construction schedule, effects on adjoining properties, right-of-way relocation assistance, and environmental reviews and studies performed as part of the State Environmental Review Process (SERP), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

VDOT staff will be available during the hearing to discuss the project and answer questions. Written and oral comments will be taken at the hearing. Written comments can also be submitted by July 18, 2008 to Allan Sumpter, Residency Administrator, Charlottesville Residency, 701 VDOT Way, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

The public comments received during the public hearing process will be taken into account as final determinations are made as to the design of the replacement bridge and roadway approaches.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT’s Civil Rights Division, 1601 Orange Road, Culpeper; (540) 829-7500, or TTY/TDD 711.

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