RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Brenda Waters (276) 669-9999 bristolinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov Michelle Earl 276-669-9901

BRIS-24 March 1, 2007

VDOT PUBLIC HEARING: I-81 EXIT 14 in ABINGDON Development Firm Offers to Fund $7 Million Project
Development Firm Offers to Fund $7 Million Project

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ABINGDON – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a design public hearing regarding a proposed $7 million privately-funded project that would accelerate construction of modifications to the Interstate 81 Exit 14 interchange in Abingdon. The public hearing will be held on Thursday, March 15, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, near the interchange.

The Commonwealth Company, a private development firm, is proposing to fund the entire bill for design and construction of the interchange modifications, which would include elimination of the traffic weave at the Exit 14 northbound on and off ramp. The company hired roadway designer, Ramey Kemp & Associates, Inc. to design the proposed project. No state funds have been used for the design, nor would state dollars be used for construction of the modifications.

Although this is an entirely privately-funded proposal, the design plans have been reviewed by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

“Currently, there are no funds in VDOT’s budget for improvements to Exit 14, nor is there an estimated date as to when state funds might be available. Yet, there is definitely a need to upgrade the interchange and eliminate the weaving of merging and exiting traffic in the northbound lanes, to enhance safety.” Steve Buston, VDOT Abingdon Residency Administrator said.

“So, when the commercial developer offered to fund the modifications using private funds, VDOT was compelled to explore their proposal, which would accelerate construction by several years, without using taxpayer dollars,” Buston added.

If planned commercial development is to occur at the exit, the interchange and Jonesboro Road must be improved to meet the anticipated traffic demand in order to qualify for a commercial entrance permit Buston explained.

One of the main features of the proposed project is the elimination of the current weaving of northbound traffic merging on and exiting off the same ramp at Exit 14. This would be accomplished by the construction of a new northbound on-ramp and modifications to the present ramp, which would be used for off-bound traffic.

Additional modifications would include the widening of the southbound Exit 14 off-ramp to accommodate four lanes of traffic, widening Jonesboro Road to five-lanes underneath the bridges at the interchange, and traffic signal installation on Jonesboro Road. All modifications would be within existing state highway right of way, or on property donated by the private firm proposing the modifications.

VDOT encourages all interested citizens to attend the public hearing regarding the highway modifications. Citizens have the flexibility in their participation in the hearing anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. At their convenience, attendees will be able to review maps, drawings and other materials explaining the proposed project and discuss the plans and tentative construction schedules with VDOT representatives.

Also, citizens will have an opportunity to record verbal comments for the official record anytime during the hearing. Written comments will be accepted during the hearing or may be submitted to VDOT within 10 days following the hearing.

Maps and other materials pertaining to the I-81 Exit 14 interchange modification project are available for review in advance of the hearing at the VDOT Abingdon Residency Office, located at 700 East Main Street in Abingdon. The materials are also available at the VDOT Bristol District Office, 870 Bonham Road, Bristol, Virginia.

For additional information, or if you require special assistance to participate in the meeting, please call the VDOT Abingdon Residency Office at (276) 676-5503 or device for hearing impaired (TTY) at 711.

“VDOT’s public hearing is solely regarding the proposed privately-funded highway improvements,” said Buston, “It is an opportunity for citizens to look at an option to use private funding for a much needed interchange modification, which could accelerate the construction of the improvement by years.”

The public hearing is not a forum to discuss land development or any proposed commercial development issues, as those are local government issues.

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