
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, September 1, 1995                   TAG: 9509010048
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-11   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Short

PUBLIC MEETING SET ON ROCK ROAD PROJECT

The public gets its say later this month about proposed improvements to make some 1.4 miles of Rock Road a four-lane thoroughfare from First Street (Virginia 232) to Wadsworth Street.

Present plans to widen and improve the road will displace five families and one business, the Virginia Department of Transportation said in an announcement.

VDOT's informal public meeting on the proposed project is Tuesday, Sept. 12, 4-8 p.m., at the Municipal Building on Second Street.

The session also provides the public a first-hand look at sketches, maps and other information on the location and design of the roadway improvements, now set for construction in 1997.

During the four-hour session, VDOT representatives will be available to talk about the project one-on-one. The public also may file written comments and suggestions about the project, which, VDOT said, is aimed at enhancing traffic flow and improving safety.

The city formally requested the project nine years ago. It's included in the 2010 statewide highway plan for VDOT's Salem District. The city and VDOT cooperated in the project's design.

Improvements will include a pavement of 32 to 54 feet and a four-foot bicycle lane in each direction. A sidewalk will be located on the east side of Rock Road from Inglewood Drive to Smith Avenue.

VDOT hopes to have City Council and Commonwealth Transportation Board approval of the project proposal by year's end.

The public may send written comments or suggestions to: Virginia Department of Transportation, F.C. Altizer Jr., Salem District Administrator, P.O. Box 3071, Salem, Va. 24153.

by CNB