Virginia awards $34.4 million contract to improve traffic flow and safety on multiple intersections along Route 220 and Route 419
Roanoke, Virginia – The Commonwealth Transportation Board, in its December 4 meeting in Richmond, approved a $34.4 million contract to Branch Civil Inc., based in Roanoke, for significant improvements to the Route 220 and Route 419 corridors. The project aims to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety across multiple intersections in Roanoke, Roanoke County, Franklin County, and Henry County.
Project Scope and Timeline
The comprehensive project includes the reconfiguration of the existing interchange at Route 220 and Route 419 into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) and modifications to several key intersections. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with completion anticipated by fall 2028. To minimize disruptions, work will primarily take place outside peak travel times, with improvements tackled at different intersections throughout the project’s duration.
Key Improvements Along Route 419 and Route 220
Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
A major component of the project involves replacing the current interchange at Route 220 and Route 419 with a DDI. This innovative design temporarily shifts traffic to the left side of the road, streamlining traffic flow and reducing congestion. DDIs are known for their ability to improve safety, capacity, and efficiency by eliminating the need for problematic left-turn signals and providing better traffic management for high-volume areas.
Signalized Intersection Upgrades
To further alleviate congestion, three intersections along Route 419 will undergo modifications. The intersections at Ogden Road, Elm View Road, and South Peak Boulevard in Roanoke and Roanoke County will redirect lower-volume side-street traffic. This adjustment will allow more green signal time for high-demand traffic movements, ensuring smoother traffic flow.
Similarly, seven intersections along Route 220 will be upgraded to prioritize higher-volume movements. These intersections include:
- Valley Avenue/Southern Hills Drive
- Crossbow Circle/Pheasant Ridge Road
- Buck Mountain Road/Stable Road
- Indian Grave Road/Clearbrook Village Lane in Roanoke and Roanoke County
- Wirtz Road/Virginia Marketplace Drive
- Sontag Road/Cassell Drive in Franklin County
- Dyer Street in Henry County
Continuous Green-T Intersection
The Route 220 and Bonbrook Mill Road intersection in Franklin County will be converted into an unsignalized Continuous Green-T intersection. This design will add a dedicated median lane, allowing vehicles turning left from Bonbrook Mill Road onto southbound Route 220 to accelerate and merge more safely.
Anticipated Benefits
The planned improvements are expected to significantly reduce congestion, enhance traffic signal efficiency, and improve overall road safety. By optimizing traffic flow, the project will address both current and future demands in these growing areas. Additionally, innovative designs like the DDI and Continuous Green-T intersections will ensure a smoother driving experience while accommodating increased traffic volumes.
