VDOT Bristol Right of Way Division receives award for Route 460 Grundy relocation project

BRISTOL, Va. – Long before the first piece of Route 460 through Downtown Grundy was moved, right of way agents for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) were working to ensure property issues along the route were addressed.

Because of the efficiency and professionalism shown during this process, The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently awarded VDOT’s Right of Way Division the FHWA 2008 Excellence in Right-of-Way Award for Streamlining and Integration.

“The uniqueness of the Route 460 Grundy project helped to make the project stand out, but ultimately it was the staff’s coordination that helped this project get nationwide attention,” Jim Givens, VDOT Bristol District Administrator, said. “I respect the level of commitment and skill it took to keep such a massive project moving smoothly.”

In a period of 18 months, approximately 75 families, non-profit organizations and businesses were moved, which is an average of about one move a week.    The relocations included the police department, town and governmental offices, educational facilities, law firms, automobile dealerships, churches, supporting commercial businesses and families.

The Grundy Flood Control Project is a collaborative effort between VDOT, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Town of Grundy to relocate the town outside of the flood plain.

Construction of the Route 460 Grundy relocation project is anticipated to be completed in July 2009.  The next phase of construction on Route 460 is scheduled to begin in early 2009.  Phase II will tie into the section of Route 460 currently under construction and extend to Route 615.   Right of way acquisition for this section of Route 460 has been completed. The estimate for construction is $39.2 million.

Preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition is underway for Phase III, a 1.18-mile section which extends from Route 615 to Royal City. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2010. The current construction estimate for Phase III is $14.6 million.

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