Expect Delays as Roadwork Begins on Route 7

The Virginia Department of Transportation began construction Thursday, June 26 on Route 7 to include a truck-climbing lane and other improvements that will ease congestion and improve safety. The project is expected to be completed by Oct. 2015.

Commuters should expect daily lane closures on Route 7 between West Market Street and Route 9 as well as on Route 9 between the Route 7 interchange and Simpson Circle as follows:

• Route 7 eastbound and Route 9 southbound: Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (3:30 p.m. Fridays)
• Route 7 westbound and Route 9 northbound: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (1 p.m. Fridays)

• Route 7 eastbound and Route 9 southbound: Sunday-Thursday 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., Friday 10 p.m. to 9 a.m., and Saturday 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
• Route 7 westbound and Route 9 northbound: Sunday-Thursday 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Friday 10 p.m. to 9 a.m., and Saturday 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

• "Reconfigured medians to reduce turn conflicts, and some side street intersection modifications."
• "Two new roundabouts where the ramps to and from Route 7 meet Route 9 to improve traffic flow and reduce delay along Route 9."
• "Relocated W&OD Trail through the Route 9 interchange to reduce conflicts between trail users and vehicles."
• "A new road segment to complete the connection of neighborhoods along Beechnut Road."
• "Extension of Fort Johnston Road to provide a connection to Alysheba Drive, Farm Market Road and Leeland Orchard Road."
• "A new turn lane from eastbound West Market Street to the westbound Route 7 on-ramp."