Intersections are changing. Typically a vehicle approaching an intersection will be greeted by a traffic signal, stop or yield sign or more recently a roundabout. Currently there are 10 roundabouts in Chesterfield and more could be coming.
Last week the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) held a community information meeting on a proposed roundabout that they plan to build at the intersections of Hopkins and Kingsland roads. According to the state officials, the public information session will be the only time citizens will have an opportunity comment other than online until June 7.
The new traffic configuration will address safety and road capacity needs to reduce crashes. In the last year there have been 30 crashes at the intersection of Hopkins and Kingsland roads. Twenty-five of those crashes were side-angle crashes, known by some as T-bone crashes. One man objected to the project because it could impact his entrance to Hopkins Road. He said it is difficult to get out of his driveway now, but if traffic slows to 24 mph, the backup of traffic will cause him more delays exiting his property.
According to VDOT officials, the roundabout would reduce intersection crashes by 35 percent; reduces injuries by 75 percent.
The four-tenths-mile project will cost approximately $3.5 million; engineering of roadway plans – $500,000; right-of way acquisitions and utility relocation – $500,000; construction – $2.4 million. According to VDOT officials, the project is in the early stages of design, and costs may be refined or adjusted as the project progresses.
The project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2017 with right of way acquisition in spring of 2018 and with construction beginning in spring of 2021. The project construction will take about nine months to be completed.
Currently there are two businesses at the intersection, Adams Automotive and Spencer’s Express, and they will not be affected by the right of way.
A single-lane circle with additional room for large trucks will revolve around a planting area. Approaches to the roundabout will have refuge islands for the safety of pedestrians crossing from any direction.
Visit villagenewsonline.com for a video for driving instructions.
