VDOT begins construction on new multi lane roundabout at Old Lynchburg Road and 5th Street in Albemarle County
Charlottesville, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is kicking off construction this week on a new four-leg hybrid multi-lane roundabout at the intersection of Route 780 (Old Lynchburg Road) and Route 631 (5th Street) in Albemarle County. The project is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving intersection safety, easing congestion, and enhancing accessibility for all road users.
Safer Intersections and Better Traffic Flow Ahead
The new roundabout will replace the existing unsignalized intersection, which has long posed safety and efficiency challenges for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. By reducing the number of conflict points—the places where vehicles cross paths or merge—VDOT expects the new configuration to lower the risk of crashes while also making travel smoother for drivers.
“The project will convert the existing unsignalized intersection into a safer, more efficient configuration that reduces conflict points and improves traffic flow.” In addition to the roundabout, the design includes pedestrian and bicycle access upgrades and a new bus shelter and bench to improve transit options in the area.
This intersection project is one of five improvements included in VDOT’s Albemarle Intersection Design-Build Bundle 2, a $42.3 million contract designed to maximize construction efficiency by bundling multiple sites under a single contract. Other projects in the bundle include:
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A roundabout at U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike), Route 240 (Three Notched Road), and Route 680 (Browns Gap Turnpike) in Crozet
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A roundabout at Route 631 (Rio Road East) and John Warner Parkway
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A continuous green-T intersection at Rio Road East and Belvedere Boulevard
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A roundabout at Route 20 (Scottsville Road) and Route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway)
Construction is already under way on the Crozet roundabout, and the final project in the bundle is expected to wrap up by fall or winter 2027.
Throughout the construction process, motorists should expect periodic lane shifts and temporary changes in traffic patterns. VDOT urges drivers to stay alert, follow all posted signage, and exercise caution around the active work zone. All work is weather permitting, and VDOT will share updates as construction progresses.
