BY SCOTT SHENK
A public meeting this week will give residents a chance to learn more about the proposed reconstruction of the Interstate 95 interchange at Courthouse Road in Stafford County.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will host the meeting from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Conference Room ABC at the Stafford County Government Center on U.S. 1.
VDOT officials will talk about the estimated $175 million project and the design process, which is in the early stages.
Visitors also will be able to see the preliminary design, maps and other documents. Officials will try to answer any questions during the meeting. Residents also can submit written questions.
There will be a brief presentation at 6 p.m.
VDOT has hired a consultant, CH2MHill, to design the interchange, which at this point looks as if it will be a "modified split diamond," according to VDOT spokeswoman Kelly Hannon.
Under the current design, the path of Courthouse Road (State Route 630) would be moved. The intersection of Route 630 and U.S. 1 also would be moved south from the courthouse to Stafford Hospital.
VDOT chose the current design alternative from a list of nine, including a no-build option.
The project is supposed to improve traffic flow in the courthouse area, which is regularly congested during the evening commuter rush.
The interchange, built in 1963, can't keep up with traffic demand, according to VDOT.
The department also plans to hold a public hearing on the proposed project at the end of the year.
VDOT info: bit.ly/JVSv2pScott Shenk: 540/374-5436
Email: sshenk@freelancestar.com