Proposed

Why is this road being built?

The purpose of this proposed project is to provide a major north-south thoroughfare for citizens by more directly connecting 13th Street and Hollins Road in Roanoke.

13th Street and Hollins Road are currently designated as urban minor arterial roadways, with a combined estimated traffic volume of 7000 vehicles per day in 2004. Traffic is expected to increase to approximately 11,300 vehicles per day by the design year of 2031.

Features

A majority of 13th Street would be reconstructed as a two-lane roadway with 10.5-foot wide travel lanes. A 16-foot median will run the entire length of the project. Roundabouts are proposed for the intersections at Tazewell and Wise Avenues. A left turn lane would be provided at the intersection with Dale Avenue. At other intersections (Stewart, Church, Kirk and Campbell Avenues) right turns would only be permitted. Traffic wishing to make a left turn would need to proceed to the next roundabout and make a U-turn. The purpose for limiting this traffic movement is to reduce the opportunities for collisions (see separate brochure entitled “Roundabouts: VDOT Answers Your Questions”). The design speed for the 13th Street portion of the project is 25 MPH. 

Hollins Road and a small portion of 13th Street would be reconstructed as a four-lane roadway of 10.5 and 11.5 foot wide travel lanes. Additional capacity will be added at the intersection of Hollins Road and Orange Avenue (Route 460). The design speed for this portion of the project is 35 MPH. As part of this proposed project, a new bridge would be constructed spanning Lick Run, Norfolk Avenue and the Norfolk-Southern railroad tracks.





Proposed accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians include dedicated five-foot wide bike lanes and five-foot wide sidewalks for the entire length of the project. Curb and gutter will also be installed for a majority of the project. During construction of this project, it may become necessary to temporarily close the Hollins Road at-grade railroad crossing.

Project Updates

A Citizen Information Meeting was held May 17, 2006 at Fallon Park Elementary.

Benefits

By using roundabouts at intersections instead of traditional signals, there is an opportunity for neighborhood landscaping that would help the proposed improvements blend in with the surrounding neighborhood.

VDOT worked with architects at Virginia Tech to develop two intital designs for landscaping at each roundabout. The two designs are entitled "Where the Mountains Meet the Valley" and "Arrival at the Station." Each design draws upon a particular feature of this area. As this project moves forward, a single design will be selected.

Artist's Rendering of Landscape Options

Contacts

Salem Public Affairs, 540-387-5493