Construction has started on a new roundabout at the intersection of Route 780 (Old Lynchburg Road) and Route 631 (5th Street) in Albemarle County, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow by converting the current unsignalized intersection into a four-leg, hybrid multi-lane roundabout.
VDOT states that the redesign will reduce conflict points—areas where vehicle paths cross or merge—which can lead to collisions. The improvements are also intended to make it easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to use the intersection. Additionally, a bus shelter and bench will be installed as part of efforts to support public transit users.
This construction is one element of VDOT’s Albemarle Intersection Design-Build Bundle 2. This initiative includes five intersection projects under a single $42.3 million design-build contract. Besides the Route 780/631 roundabout, other planned upgrades include:
– A roundabout at U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike), Route 240 (Three Notched Road), and Route 680 (Browns Gap Turnpike)
– A roundabout at Route 631 (Rio Road East) and John Warner Parkway
– A continuous green-T intersection at Route 631 (Rio Road East) and Belvedere Boulevard
– A roundabout at Route 20 (Scottsville Road) and Route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway)
Work is already underway on the roundabout at the intersection of Route 240/250/680 in Crozet. The final project within this bundle is expected to finish by fall or winter of 2027.
VDOT advises motorists to anticipate periodic lane shifts and temporary changes in traffic patterns during construction. Drivers should exercise caution near work zones, remain alert for workers and equipment, and follow posted signage through intersections.
“All work is weather permitting, and VDOT will share updates as construction progresses,” according to VDOT.
Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District can be found on their X account or through their Culpeper District Facebook group page. Information about statewide traffic conditions is available via the 511 Virginia website, its mobile app, or by calling 511 from any phone within Virginia.
