Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is organizing its second information meeting related to the Piedmont Avenue Bridge Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study. This session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bristol Train Station, located at 101 MLK Jr. Boulevard in Bristol, Virginia. A survey is available until May 2 for public participation in the form of feedback on these plans and can be accessed online.

The Bristol TN/VA Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is also holding an open house during the same time and location. This event aims to gather public input necessary for crafting the Bristol Multimodal Transportation Plan. This plan intends to inform policy and future investments in various transportation projects including pedestrian, bicycle, public transportation, and freight initiatives across the region.

The primary objective of the Piedmont Avenue Bridge PEL Study is to determine a viable build alternative. This decision will guide subsequent stages in the environmental review process. VDOT representatives will be available at the meeting to share detailed information, answer queries, and gather comments.

A PEL Study is part of the Federal Highway Administration's early planning approach. It merges transportation planning and environmental review, preceding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

The meeting operates on a drop-in basis, allowing participants to attend at any point during the designated time.

Feedback for the study can be submitted via mail to Adrienne Love, VDOT Project Manager, at the address provided, or by emailing Adrienne.Love@vdot.virginia.gov with “Piedmont Avenue PEL Study” as the subject line.

Further information or special assistance can be requested from Ms. Love or through VDOT’s Customer Service Center.

For additional details, contact VDOT at their Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) or via TTY at 711.