In Design
Frederick County - I-81 Exit 310 at Route 37 (Kernstown Interchange) |
| Interchange Modification Project |
Project Photos
Project at a Glance
Project awarded on May 11, 2009
Est Completion Date
Complete by the end of 2010
Cost
$1,795,226.00
Contractor
Volkert & Associates Inc. of Alexandria
Locality
Frederick
Contact
Scott Alexander
(540) 332-7758
Project Details
This is a design project for interchange reconstruction at exit 310 on Interstate 81 at Route 37 in Frederick County. Locally this is known as the Kernstown interchange. The consultant will provide complete design plans to construct a “spread diamond” interchange, which relocates the ramp termini at Route 37 outward.Additionally, as part of the contract, the consultant will produce preliminary designs for the final interchange configuration, ensuring that the spread diamond design accommodates and facilitates future phases, as neighboring development and traffic patterns demand more of the interchange.
The final build-out of the interchange will be done in several future phases.
In association with the interchange improvements, the Crosspointe development complex will partially fund and feature the first extension of Route 37 east of I-81.
Prior to this contract award the Federal Highway Administration approved the Interchange Modification Request (IMR), on April 18, 2007. The IMR consists of a three-phase approach to improving the interchange.
Phase one includes the design for the spread diamond configuration, plus right of way acquisition and utility relocations and construction of the spread diamond interchange. The estimated cost is $35.8 million, of which only the design work for this current contract is funded.
Phase two may include a partial cloverleaf loop and/or widening of the Route 37 bridge over I-81. All phase two work depends on future traffic demand and available transportation funding.
Phase three may be the completion of cloverleaf or flyover ramps. Both of these options may also include collector distributor lanes. All phase three work depends on future traffic demand and available transportation funding.
Benefits
The project will help alleviate tight turning maneuvers currently being experienced by drivers at this interchange ramps and on Route 37 and U.S. Route 11. This design will allow more lane capacity to hold more vehicles waiting to make a left-turn onto Route 37.
What's Next
A public hearing is projected for fall 2010.
