| RELEASE: | IMMEDIATE | December 6, 2021 |
| CONTACT: | Len Stevens 434-856-8176 (office) | LYN-21-092 |
| Len Stevens@VDOT.Virginia.Gov |
SMALL TREE REMOVAL AND PRUNING TO TAKE PLACE ON PATRICK HENRY HIGHWAY IN NELSON COUNTY
Concerns expressed about visibility and safety
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Much of Nelson County’s charm centers on its winding roadways, colorful foliage, and wildlife. That is certainly the case on Patrick Henry Highway (VA 151). However, according to residents and visitors, drivers sometimes may also face poor visibility and safety concerns due to overgrown trees along the roadsides.
According to Gerry Harter, P.E., maintenance engineer for the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), “VDOT has been made aware of a number of locations where tree branches obstruct motorist views, as well as locations where trucks are brushing limbs along and over roadways. These incidents could create safety issues for motorists and others.”
See examples of overgrowth and the possibility of poor visibility here:
VDOT plans to prune trees and remove small trees up to six inches in diameter within the VDOT right of way along approximately 29 miles of Patrick Henry Highway. The work will take place over an extended period. During these operations, signs will alert motorists to the work and delays will be possible.
Crews expect to start on Thursday, December 9 – at the intersection of Patrick Henry Highway (VA 151) and Rockfish Gap Turnpike (US 250) – and continue down Route 151, finishing at the intersection of Old Roseland Road (VA 723) in June of 2022.
Here is a breakdown of the different phases of the project:
Drivers, please keep an eye out for work crews, slow down, and take care to navigate past them safely.
