CHARLOTTESVILLE (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — As part of Virginia Department of Transportation’s Albemarle Intersection Design-Build Bundle 2, the department will begin construction this week to convert the existing roundabout at the intersection between Routes 780, Old Lynchburg Road, and 631, 5th street, into a four-leg, hybrid multi-lane roundabout.

The project aims to reduce the points in which a potential collision can occur while improving traffic flow and enhancing access for pedestrians and bicyclists. There will also be a bus shelter and bench added.

The project is a part of the department’s latest construction bundle in the county. The $42.3 million design-build contract also includes plans for a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 250, Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Route 240, Three Notched Road, and Route 680, Browns Gap Turnpike, which is also under construction. Roundabouts at Route 631, Rio Road East, and John Warner Parkway as well as at Route 20, Scottsville Road and Route 53, Thomas Jefferson Parkway, have also been planned. VDOT will also be constructing continuous green-T intersection at Route 631, Rio Road East, and Belvedere Boulevard.

All projects in the bundle are expected to be completed by either the fall or winter or 2027.