FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Construction to widen Route 639 (Ladysmith Road) in Caroline County to four lanes between Interstate 95 and just west of Route 1 is substantially complete, with all new lanes and features open for use five months ahead of schedule.
Ladysmith Road carries around 12,000 vehicles a day between I-95 and Route 1. This $21.8 million project seeks to reduce current and future congestion in the Ladysmith area by providing more capacity for travelers.
Pedestrians and bicyclists can use the recently opened sidewalk and shared use path. A 10-foot wide asphalt path was built along the eastbound lanes of Ladysmith Road, on the southern side of the road. A 5-foot-wide sidewalk was built on the northern side of the road, along the westbound lanes. Crosswalks and new traffic signal equipment accommodate pedestrian crossings at the Route 1 intersection.
Widening Ladysmith Road created space for dual left turn lanes for eastbound and westbound traffic at the Route 1 intersection, reducing delays for motorists waiting to turn at this traffic signal. Dedicated right turn lanes were built for eastbound and westbound traffic on Ladysmith Road approaching Route 1.
The project is a partnership between Caroline County and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Caroline County submitted an application to assist in funding this project through Virginia’s SMART SCALE program. Additional funding is being provided through VDOT’s revenue-sharing program, which matches county funds with state transportation dollars.
Landscaping and median enhancements create a gateway entrance to the Ladysmith area. A new raised median with a stamped concrete brick pattern separates the eastbound and westbound travel lanes to allow for improved movement through the corridor. Plantings along the project include red maple and crape myrtle trees, daffodils, daylilies, and prairie rose.
The project contractor is J.L. Kent and Sons, Inc. Final construction activities will be underway for several weeks in December to complete the project, with most work occurring outside of the travel lanes.
