In Design: Route 460 (Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike) and Route 668 (Blackwater Road) Intersection Improvements Bedford County
Cost and schedule ►
Public outreach ►
The purpose of this project is to improve safety and traffic flow by converting the intersection at Route 460 (Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike) and Route 668 (Blackwater Road) to a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT). This project is intended to reduce rear end collisions and angle crashes.
An RCUT is an innovative intersection that would eliminate left turns from northbound Route 668 onto westbound Route 460. Motorists who currently turn left onto Route 460 would make right turns and proceed to make a U-turn. To the east of the intersection, the existing crossover would be relocated approximately 500 feet further east and the existing turn lane extended to help accommodate U-turns.
The traffic volume at this intersection does not meet the criteria to install a traffic signal. As of 2021, the average annual traffic daily count was 18,788 vehicles on Route 460. As of 2019, the average annual traffic daily count was 430 vehicles on Blackwater Road.
DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites the public to attend a design public hearing on Thursday, June 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at New London Academy located at 1133 Academy Lane in Forest. The hearing will be held in an “open-house” format, and VDOT representatives will be present to answer questions. Comments about the project may be submitted at the meeting or until July 9, 2023, to Eli Mannon, Project Manager, 731 Harrison Avenue, Salem, VA 24153. Comments may also be emailed to [email protected]. Please reference “Route 460 at Blackwater Road Public Comment” in the subject heading.
Benefits
The purpose of this project is to improve safety and traffic flow by converting the intersection at Route 460 and Blackwater Road to a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) to reduce rear-end collisions and angle crashes.