Final weeks of construction are wrapping up project in Stafford County

FREDERICKSBURG – Construction is more than 90 percent complete at the Falmouth Intersection project in Stafford County, and workers are finishing final tasks in September.

Milling, paving and line striping work will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8. This work will occur overnight every night through Wednesday, Sept. 30, when all new turn lanes and travel lanes are expected to open.

“We appreciate the community’s patience with us over the past 18 months during numerous lane closures and traffic shifts at the intersection,” said Michael Coffey, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Assistant District Administrator for Construction, Fredericksburg District. “We look forward to removing cones and barrels at the end of the month, and delivering a better travel experience for drivers, pedestrians, and emergency responders.”

This VDOT project is located at the intersection of Route 1, Route 17 Business, and Route 218 (Butler Road) in Stafford’s Falmouth area, immediately north of the Falmouth Bridge over the Rappahannock River.

What Motorists Can Expect

Virginia State Police will direct traffic at the intersection every night from Sept. 8-30. Hours will vary depending on the day of the week. Mobile single lane closures will be in place.

Traffic will be under law enforcement control on the following schedule:

• Sunday: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Monday-Thursday: 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Friday-Saturday: 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Traffic will be permitted to pass through the intersection while overnight work is underway. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and to expect brief delays.

An intermediate and final layer of asphalt will be applied across the entire intersection and each approach on Route 1, Route 17 Business, and Butler Road.

Up to 12 inches of new asphalt will be applied in some locations. New pavement markings will be painted after paving to define the boundaries of the new traffic pattern.

511Virginia

Lane closures have been scheduled weather permitting. Motorists can find real-time information about work zones, incidents and congestion on Virginia roads at 511Virginia.

Download the free mobile 511 app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected, or visit www.511Virginia.org. Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

Project Background

Construction began in March 2014. The total project cost is an estimated $22.1 million. A $4.9 million contract was awarded to Tavares Concrete Company, Inc., of Lorton, Va., for construction.

This project will unclog a key alternate route for Interstate 95 and make it easier for Stafford and City of Fredericksburg residents to pass between the localities. The intersection was widened slightly to accommodate new turn and through lanes at the traffic signal.
Other benefits include the reduction of vehicle emissions from idling vehicles, and quicker access for emergency vehicles passing through the intersection. Extensive documentation was done of historically significant features at the project site.
Landscaping elements at the intersection will be planted in late fall, when temperature are cooler.