Coming Soon

Rockingham County - Port Republic Road (Route 253)

This project will increase the roadway capacity, which is needed due to growing traffic volumes and due to current and planned development in the area. The project extends from .4 mile south of Boyers Road to .02 mile north of the Harrisonburg eastern city limits. The proposed roadway will have a design speed of 50 miles per hour with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour. The improvements include four travel lanes with curb and gutter and a 16-foot raised curb median. Crossovers and left-turn lanes will be provided at all major intersections. Existing entrances and connections will be maintained during construction and tied into the finished roadway upon completion of the project.

Approximately .2 miles of the Southeast Connector, alternate 4, at the Port Republic Road intersection will be constructed as part of this project. Alternative 4 of the Southeast Connector extends from Stone Spring Road at the Harrisonburg city limits to Route 33. The remainder of the Southeast Connector Alternative 4 will be constructed in future projects.

Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations are also part of the project. A 10-foot paved shared used path for bicyclists and pedestrians will be located along the west side of the road. A five-foot sidewalk will be located along the east side of the road. All pedestrian accommodations will be handicap accessible.

Based on a noise abatement study, a noise barrier, also called a sound wall, is proposed for several residences located south of Boyers Road. A final determination as to the construction of the noise barrier will be made after the public hearing process.

A public hearing was held on December 11, 2007. Design plans were approved by Chief Engineer Malcolm T. Kerley, P.E. on August 8, 2008.

Contacts

John-Allen Ennis, P.E., 540-332-7891