Traffic Circle Coming... Eventually: Chicago, Mt Clinton, and Park Rd Intersection

This blog is part of my Developments in the Harmony Heights Area series. Click here to see what other blogs will be coming. 
If you have driven from Chicago to Park Road or vice versa, you are aware that the intersection is not ideal.  The visibility is low poor and the traffic can be frequent.   The traffic circle is the cities solution to this problematic intersection. 

The project was first approved by VDOT in 2012.  In the summer of 2015, the city relocated utilities and acquired a right away. 
The city was scheduled to begin advertising for construction in 2018.  However, They were unable to secure a grant with VDOT to fund the project.  They will be applying for funding again but if they secure the grant, it will not be accessible for another 4 years.  This means the project will not actually start until 2023-2024 at the earliest. 

The estimated cost of the entire project is $6,070,000.  Here is the breakdown of the expenses:

• Preliminary Engineering: $538,000
• Right of Way/ Utilities: $1,500,000
• Construction: $4,000,000
• Total: $6,070,000

The project has affected local businesses.  To make room for the project, Blue Ridge Auto is moving to Virginia Ave across from the Dairy Queen.   EMU has also made room for the project by having Martin House and a part of the Village Apartments razed. 

Sources: Harrisonburg City Website; Harrisonburg City Rep; Blue Ridge Automotive; EMU Rep