Route 29 Solutions, Virginia

The Route 29 Solutions project, which began on 1 January 2015, aims to improve safety and mobility along the busy Route 29 corridor in Charlottesville and Albemarle Counties, Virginia.

Of the eight highway projects included in the programme, the Lane Construction (Webuild Group) and Corman joint venture has completed three, including the widening of Route 29 between Polo Grounds Road and Towncenter Drive. On this section, the motorway was widened to six lanes by adding one lane in each direction, and the major challenge was to keep two lanes and all access points operational to ensure traffic continuity. In addition, kerbs, bumps and footpaths were constructed on both sides of the motorway.

The second project, the Berkmar Drive Extension, moved the terminus of Hilton Heights Road 2.3 miles (3.7 km) north to Towncenter Drive, including the construction of a bridge over the South Fork Rivanna River. This greatly improved the connectivity of the area.

The other key challenge was the Rio Road intersection, one of the most congested points in the corridor. Here, a roadway alignment was created to improve traffic flow at the intersection with Route 29, and four ramps, two in each direction, were constructed under Rio Road, as well as local roads to facilitate access and egress from Route 29.

All three projects included the construction of cycle lanes and multi-use paths, while providing sustainable transport options for residents and users of the corridor. During construction, a traffic management plan (MOT) was also implemented to effectively manage traffic flow on Route 29 and Rio Road.ù