In Design Stage: VDOT projects in Warren County

I-81 Exit 300 Southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening over Route 840 (Water Plant Road)

This project extends the Interstate 81 southbound exit 300 acceleration lane from the Interstate 66 westbound ramp. The purpose of this project is to to safely accommodate merging traffic and growing truck volumes on Interstate 81 at the south end of the exit 300 interchange.

The project extends the existing southbound 1,400-foot acceleration lane and 250-foot taper to a 2,030-foot acceleration lane with a 300-foot taper. The 128-foot long southbound bridge over Route 840 (Water Plant Road) will be widened from 42 feet to 54 feet to accommodate the extended lane. A small drainage structures may need to be extended.

During construction temporary closures will occur on Route 840 to place beams for the I-81 bridge over Route 840. In 2014 Route 840 had an average daily traffic count of 525 vehicles per day. In 2020 when the project is scheduled for construction advertisement the daily average traffic count is estimated to be 557 vehicles per day. By the design year of 2042 the estimated average daily traffic volume is 672 vehicles per day.

All interstate work will be performed in the median and the project will not have any right-of-way impacts.

Benefits
The purpose of this project is to improve mainline operations and improve safety at the high-speed merge of traffic onto southbound I-81 from I-66 westbound.

Major Milestones
Project plan approval Fall 2020

Construction advertisement Fall 2020

Route 624 (Happy Creek Road)

The Route 624 (Happy Creek Road) project provides safety improvements from the Town of Front Royal Eastern Corporate limits to Route 645 (Manassas Run Road). Route 624 is a two-lane road with 10-foot wide travel lanes. Work includes widening the lanes to 11 feet, reducing fixed object hazards, increasing intersection capacity and improving drainage.

On a portion of Route 624 is a wooded area with a curve, which currently limits drivers’ sight views. This area will be cleared and the curve reduced to improve visibility.

In the middle of the project is an at-grade crossing for the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Trains at this crossing serve the Virginia Inland port which is located north of Front Royal. Route 624 has a curve at the crossing, which will be reduced with a slight roadway realignment. Reflective signs and chevrons will be posted to help drivers see the road particularly during night and low light conditions.

Turn lanes will be constructed on Route 624 at Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) and Route 645 (Manassas Run Road).

In 2016 Route 624 had an average daily traffic count of 4100 vehicles per day. By the design year of 2043 the estimated average daily traffic volume is 5800 vehicles per day. The total estimated cost for this project is $10.5 million, including $1.3 million for preliminary engineering, $569,234 for right of way and $8.6 million for construction.

Benefits
This project will improve safety on Route 624 by reducing fixed object hazards, increasing intersection capacity and improving drainage.