VDOT proposes roundabout at Route 151 & Tanbark in Smart Scale pre-application; county hears corridor study results

VDOT staff briefed the Nelson County Board of Supervisors on March 12, 2024 about the Route 151 corridor study and related Smart Scale pre-applications. Carson Eckhardt reported public engagement included 829 survey participants with more than 1,000 comments and that public feedback informed the alternatives now being refined for Round 6 of Smart Scale.

Eckhardt said the first Smart Scale submission will be a proposed roundabout at Route 151 and Tanbark; the concept has VTrans support and scored high on potential safety improvement (PSI) metrics. He further described proposals at Route 151 & Mill Lane — including a dedicated northbound left turn lane and access modifications for the gas station — and noted Route 151 & Rockfish School Lane would be included as part of the corridor submission despite mixed internal support. Eckhardt outlined the Smart Scale schedule and documentation requirements for Round 6: pre-applications open March 1 and close April 1; supporting documentation due July 15; full applications due Aug. 1.

VDOT’s Robert Brown also updated the Board on operational items: data collection for the Route 151 traffic study is complete and engineers are reviewing counts and speed studies with final conclusions expected in April; VDOT’s pedestrian study at the Main Street/Route 29 crossing in Lovingston continues; culvert fabrication for Route 674 (Jenny’s Creek Road) is underway with installation anticipated in early April; and truck restriction signs for the Tye River Road underpass have been ordered. Supervisor Thomas D. Harvey expressed skepticism about some consultant-derived crash data and cautioned against rushing proposals without local validation.

Why it matters: proposed geometric changes and Smart Scale funding could alter traffic flow and safety on a busy corridor and influence funding priorities for local infrastructure. The county’s planning staff and the TJPDC will coordinate pre-applications on the County’s behalf.

Next steps: VDOT will refine project sketches and cost estimates; the TJPDC will submit pre-applications; County staff will continue coordination and may address funding decisions or priorities during upcoming budget and planning sessions.