Tonight, May 7, there will be a public hearing on Smithland Road improvements. We would love to have some interested bike and pedestrian interests attend. If you can come then please note that the meeting is from 4 to 6pm at the VDOT office north on route 11. For more background on the project please read the below Daily News Record Article from April 11. It is important that we stress the need for bicycle and pedestrian facilities to be incorporated into any design plans to rebuild the Smithland road bridge over Interstate 81. After the public meeting, we will have 10 days to submit further comments on the project. Even if you can’t attend the meeting please stay tuned for more information how you can make your voice heard. Full details from VDOT concerning the meeting.

May 7, 20154 – 6 p.m.

Design public hearingRoute 720 (Smithland Road), Rockingham County, Bridge Replacement ProjectDetails >

VDOT Harrisonburg Residency Office 3536 North Valley Pike HarrisonburgMap >

Bridge Work To Close I-81

Posted: April 11, 2015

By PRESTON KNIGHT

The Virginia Department of Transportation has scheduled a public meeting for May 7 on proposed improvements to Smithland Road, including replacing the bridge over Interstate 81. Repairs to the bridge will lead to a northbound-lane closure on I-81 starting at 8 p.m. Sunday and likely ending Monday morning. (Photo by Preston Knight)

HARRISONBURG — The Virginia Department of Transportation plans to close the right lane of northbound Interstate 81 Sunday night to make repairs under the Smithland Road bridge, which should be replaced in coming years.

The closure, near mile marker 248.8 in Rockingham County, just north of Harrisonburg, will allow crews to repair a concrete beam that was struck earlier this week, the agency says. The work will begin, weather permitting, at 8 p.m. and should last until 7 a.m. Monday.

If more time is needed, another right-lane closure will occur Monday night.

On May 7, VDOT has scheduled a public meeting on proposed improvements to Smithland Road, including replacing the bridge over I-81.

The current structure was built in 1960 and has reached the end of its service life, VDOT says. The new bridge will be about 30 feet west of the existing one and will also be more than 5 feet higher, enhancing vehicle clearance on the interstate, the agency says.

It will have two through lanes and one turn lane, plus a 5-foot wide sidewalk on the west side. The project also includes realigning the bridge approaches, VDOT says.

The intersection of Smithland Road and Old Furnace Road also will be improved to make Smithland the through-street. In addition, VDOT says dedicated turn lanes will be built on Smithland.

These improvements are designed to improve traffic flow and provide better sight distance, officials say.

Two lanes of travel will be maintained on Smithland during construction, though I-81 closures might be possible at night to set beams.

The estimated cost for the entire project is $10.2 million, including $8.7 million for construction.

VDOT lists the project as having a fall 2017 planned start date.

The public hearing is 4 to 6 p.m. May 7 at VDOT’s Harrisonburg residency, 3536 North Valley Pike. Department representatives will be available to discuss proposed improvements.

Written comments can be submitted at the meeting or within 10 days after the meeting date to Ronald Tabor, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA  24401-9029.

Contact Preston Knight at 574-6272 or