RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Jim Jennings 540-839-7537 Jim.Jennings@VirginiaDOT.org

CULP-0411 March 18, 2004

AIRPORT ROAD WIDENING PROJECT AWARDED

CULPEPER -- The Commonwealth Transportation Board today approved a $4.8 million contract to widen Airport Road (Rt. 649) to a four-lane divided road with curbs and gutters and bike lanes.

The 1.2 mile long project, awarded to General Excavation Inc. of Warrenton, runs from Rt. 29 to Rt. 606. At that intersection, a roundabout will be constructed to accommodate the left-turn movement.

During the Airport Road construction, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Authority will use FAA funds to align the airport entrance with the new, four-lane Airport Road entrance.

During construction, access will be provided to homes and businesses at all times. At least one-way traffic will be maintained, with two-way traffic maintained during the majority of the construction period.

However, officials caution that due to the scope of the work, delays should be expected and passengers should plan to leave for the airport earlier.

The contract has a fixed completed date of September 1, 2005.