Location and Design public hearing scheduled for Interstate 81 Exit 17 improvements

LOCATION AND DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR INTERSTATE 81 EXIT 17 IMPROVEMENTS

Thursday, November 2 from 6 - 8 p.m. Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator in Abingdon

BRISTOL – This week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a location and design public hearing for improvements to the Interstate 81 exit 17 interchange in the Abingdon area of Washington County.

The public hearing will be held Thursday, November 2 from 6-8 p.m. at Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 851 French Moore Jr. Blvd in Abingdon.

The purpose of the meeting is to give citizens an opportunity to review the proposed project plans that include improvements to the exit 17 northbound on and off ramps, improvements to a segment of Route 75, reconstruction and relocation of Gravel Lake Road, and relocation of the frontage road located adjacent to the northbound exit 17 off ramp (Commerce Drive).

VDOT encourages all interested citizens to attend the information meeting. To give citizens more flexibility in their participation, there will be no formal presentation. Instead, citizens will be able to review plans with VDOT representatives at their convenience anytime between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Also, citizens will have an opportunity to record verbal comments for the official record anytime during the meeting. Written comments will be accepted during the meeting or may be submitted to VDOT by November 20, 2017.  Mail comments to Mr. Ron Flanary, Project Manager, 870 Bonham Road, Bristol, Virginia 24201. Or, email comments to bristolinfo@vdot.virginia.gov, referencing “Interstate 81 Exit 17 improvements” in the email subject line.

For additional information, or if you require special assistance to participate in the meeting, please call the VDOT’s Bristol District office at (276) 669-6151 or device for hearing impaired (TTY) at 711. (END)

Reporters: A media availability will be held at 5:30 p.m. to walk you through the displays and to answer any inquiries you have for VDOT prior to the 6 p.m. meeting.