VDOT - Route 29 Tightsqueeze Improvements - Cancellation, Options, and Next StepaDOT
riia Department of Transportation
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ROUTE 29 TIGHTSQUEEZE IMPROVEMENTS -
CANCELATION, OPTIONS AND NEXT STEPS
Chris Winstead, P.E. July 18, 2023
0 We cannot move the SMART SCALE funds from
Tightsqueeze to another project (example: cannot be
used to repair/replace the bridge on Route 57 over the
Banister River)
• Code of Virginia (Section 33.2-358) defines SMART
SCALE and State of Good Repair funding
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Code of Virginia Section 33.2-214 dictates only the
Commonwealth Transportation Board can cancel SMART
SCALE funded projects.
CTB likely to receive the project cancellation presentation
at either the September or October meeting with possible
CTB action the following month.
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R-Cut -Route 29 at Route 703 (Tightsqueeze Road) UPC
119165
• Submitted by Pittsylvania County in Round 4 of SMART SCALE
• Total Original Project Cost: $11,423,966
• Total SMART SCALE Request: $11,423,966
• Request funded with District Grant Program funds
• Original Scope:
• Reconfigure the intersection at US 29 and Tightsqueeze Road to a Restricted Crossing
U-Turn (R-CUT)
• Construct signalized median openings
• Construct a left -in only median north of the intersection
• Benefits were primarily due to safety
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%VDC3T I Virginia Department of Transportation
What changed after project selection?
• Due to significant public opposition to the project in response to the
Public Hearing held in May 2023, Pittsylvania county requested to place
the project on hold to determine next steps
Short term actions to address safety:
• Specific signal phasing plans will enable the existing signal to function
more efficiently during peak hours, reducing rear end collisions
• Transverse rumble strips in advance of the signal will also assist in
reducing rear end collisions
• Investigate possibility of providing overhead lighting at the intersection
using existing utility poles.
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• Possibly approve proposed project cancellation in October 2023
• Transfer the District Grant Program to the Lynchburg District
deallocation balance entry (UPC-21764)
• Note the Code of Virginia Section 33.2-214 does state the locality
requesting project termination "may be required to reimburse the
Department for all funds expended on the project."
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• No RCUT but instead provide additional turn lane improvements on
Tightsqueeze and Fairview Roads at the intersection with Route 29.
• Benefits:
• Increased capacity
• Reduce crashes through access management
• Traditional project that the public understands
• Concerns:
• Will involve right of way acquisition (including a possible total take)
• Will restrict some turning movements due to a small raised median
• Has not been fully scoped yet
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If interested now:
• Send letter requesting VDOT develop an alternative scope to the RCUT
within the requirements of SMART SCALE
• VDOT conducts a Citizens Information Meeting within 60-90 days and
receives public input.
• VDOT then seeks a BOS resolution of support for the alternative scope
and VDOT would proceed with project development, including another
future Design Public Hearing.
If not interested now:
• VDOT proceeds with advancing your request to cancel the project to the
CTB. The project funding returns to the District Grant Program for future
rounds of SMARTSCALE.
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DOT
iia Department of Transportation