In Design
Augusta County - Interstate 64, Exit 91 Improvements and Route 285 (Tinkling Spring Road) |
| Exit 91 Improvements and Route 285 (Tinkling Spring Road) Bridge Widening |
Project Details
This project is located at the Interstate 64, exit 91 interchange, which is at Route 285 (Tinkling Spring Road) in Augusta County. Improvements from this project include work to the ramps, acceleration and deceleration lanes on I-64 and widening the Route 285 bridge. The project limits on Route 285 extend from 0.70-mile north of I-64 to 0.43-mile south of I-64. Route 285 will have four lanes. Dual turn-lanes and dual receiving lanes will be provided at both I-64 on-ramps. Dual left-turn lanes will be built on Route 636 to accommodate traffic growth from the nearby hospital complex.
Due to the heavy traffic on Route 285 there will be some limitations on traffic movements at various entrances along the road to ensure smooth traffic operation along the roadway.
The Route 285 interchange with I-64 is currently experiencing traffic operational issues and has also been identified as a necessary improvement in the Route 285/608 Corridor Study (VDOT 1999), The Route 608 Corridor Study (Augusta County/Timmons 2000), and the Fishersville Small Area Plan. Existing operations show left-turning motorists from Route 285 to the I-64 westbound ramp cause back-ups into the Route 285 through lane and back to the I-64 eastbound ramps, resulting in operational problems at both ramps. The existing Route 285 bridge over I-64 is too narrow to allow construction of additional lanes to alleviate this problem.
Future growth in the area will further increase traffic volumes along Route 285, reducing levels of service and causing added congestion. This includes continued development around the Augusta Health hospital and campus and growth in the Fishersville area.
Levels of service range from “A to F” with “A” having free-flowing traffic. In 2034, traffic volumes are projected to be Level of Service “F” at Expo Road/Ladd Road, I-64 eastbound ramps, I-64 westbound ramps and Goose Creek Road during the morning and afternoon peak hours. Upgrading Route 285 to a four-lane facility through the study area will improve overall operations to acceptable levels of service and will reduce motorist delay.
The total estimated cost for this project is $43.3 million, including $4.1 million for preliminary engineering, $2.5 million for right of way and $36.7 million for construction.
What’s Next
Consideration for Design Approval – Summer 2011
Begin Acquisition of Right of Way – Fall 2011
Construction – Spring 2013*
*This project may be awarded in spring 2012 as a design-build contract. These dates may vary based on the final contract terms and conditions.
Media and Public Events
Design Public Hearing
Thursday, June 30, 2011, 4 - 7 p.m.
Preston L. Yancey Volunteer Fire Department
2015 Jefferson Highway
Fishersville, VA 22939
Citizen Information Meeting
Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 4 – 7 p.m
Preston L. Yancey Volunteer Fire Department
2015 Jefferson Highway
Fishersville, VA 22939
Benefits of Project
Upgrading Route 285 to a four-lane facility through the study area will improve overall operations to acceptable levels of service and will reduce motorist delay. Improvements to the ramps and I-64 will reduce congestion and prevent traffic backing up onto Route 285 and also onto I-64.
During Construction
Motorists should be alert for lane closures and flagging operations. Two-lane travel on Route 285 will be maintained whenever possible.
