Recently Completed: Route 17 and Route 754 (Belle Meade Road) Park and Ride Commuter Lot Improvement in Loretto

An improved Park & Ride commuter lot at the intersection of Route 17 and Route 654 (Rectory Road/Belle Meade Road) in Essex County's Loretto area reopened on Dec. 16, 2021, for public use. 

The existing gravel lot was re-graded, and new pavement and signs have been added. The improved lot now provides a total of 20 spaces for passenger vehicles, and two additional spaces for accessible parking. 

New lighting will be installed in early 2022. 

The lot had been closed since late October for reconstruction. 

This project is being funded through Virginia's SMART SCALE program. 

SMART SCALE project application

Benefits 

• Expands available commuter parking for travelers to carpool, vanpool, or ride transit

Major Milestones 

October 2021: Lot closes temporarily for reconstruction

Dec. 16, 2021: Lot reopend for public use, parking

Early 2022: New lighting will be installed, completing the project