VDOT News - Bristol

BRISTOL—In an effort to provide information and gain input from the public for the proposed Alternate Route 58 (Gilley Avenue) project in Big Stone Gap, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is holding a virtual public meeting this month.

The virtual design public hearing on this proposed project will be held Wednesday, January 20 beginning at 4 p.m. and can be accessed from the following link:

https://www.virginiadot.org/GilleyAvenue or https://bit.ly/3ozFuWz .

VDOT staff will deliver a presentation starting at 4 p.m. and will be available afterward to answer questions. Participants can use the online chat feature to ask questions or submit comments, or ask questions and provide comments through a call-in feature.

No pre-registration is required to participate. Find a link to the virtual/online meeting at the project page at VirginiaDOT.org/GilleyAvenue. The meeting recording and presentation will also be available on the project page following the meeting.

Provide Comment
Comments can be provided to VDOT until January 30, 2021 via the following methods:
- Call VDOT Project Manager James Bullins at 276-696-3349.

- Email James.Bullins@vdot.virginia.gov. Reference “Gilley Avenue” in the subject line.

- Online survey from the Gilley Avenue project page. Additionally, a PDF comment sheet/survey to print and mail is also provided.

- Traditional mail to VDOT Project Manager James Bullins, 870 Bonham Road, Bristol, Virginia 24201.

If you would like a paper copy of the survey mailed to you, or need further special assistance, please reach out to James Bullins at 276-696-3349, or VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623), or device for hearing impaired (TTY) at 711.

Project Background
The primary purpose of the project is to enhance safety along a .273-mile section of Gilley Avenue between Hamblen Street and Ridge Point. The project will increase the shoulder along the eastbound lane to eight feet, with pedestrian accommodations. Sight distance will also be improved by leveling out a portion of the road, followed by paving.

The proposed project is being funded through VDOT’s Smart SCALE program, a statewide prioritization process used to select transportation projects to be funded.

Construction is anticipated to start fall 2023.

The project cost is estimated at $3.3 million.  (END)

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.