Progress continues on the roundabout project at the intersection of Routes 45 and 690, Cartersville and Columbia roads, according to officials from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

The total cost of the project remains at $3.5 million, according to the project description from VDOT.

Development is estimated to begin in July, with purchase of right of way estimated for January 2022 and delivery to begin in September 2023.

According to the SMART SCALE application for the project, the intersection was ranked as one of the top 100 intersections in the Lynchburg District identified in the VTrans Safety Needs Assessment, meaning the project has the potential to improve safety at the intersection.

“In the 2010-2012 timeframe, there were four total crashes, with two having injuries or fatalities,” the application cited. “Another consideration for this area is that construction has begun on Cobbs Creek Reservoir, which will be accessed by construction vehicles from this intersection. Cobbs Creek Reservoir is a 1,100-acre reservoir, with utility clearing underway, and construction on the dams beginning in 2017. Improvement of this intersection will improve safety for the large machinery being brought in for the project, and reduce conflicts between heavy equipment trucks and other traffic by creating a safer turn. The county anticipates additional growth in the area after construction of the reservoir, and this intersection is on one of the primary routes to the reservoir site.”