If you have driven along Brandon Avenue recently, in the vicinity of Towers Shopping Mall, you probably couldn’t help but notice a rather rough section of road that’s been under construction. I suppose it’s all part of the effort that has also led to a new sidewalk on the shopping center side of the road.

Just about a week ago back in late April I snapped this photo:

Construction on Brandon Avenue (4/26/08)

And by the following weekend, construction workers had already smoothed over the stretch of road with new pavement and fresh paint.

Construction on Brandon Avenue (5/4/08)

So, why is construction underway in this area to begin with?

Well, according to information at the VDOT website, it’s part of a larger project designed to lessen traffic congestion in the entire area. And specifically to help lessen the back-up of traffic that occurs on Route 220/I-581 at the Colonial Avenue exit during peak times of the day.

Though the heaviest congestion only seems to last for about an hour or so, it can be frustrating (and dangerous) having to line up partly in the shoulder of the highway before the exit. If you travel this way home from work you know what I’m talking about.

There aren’t going to be any new roadways constructed, just slight widening or reconfiguring of existing roads as part of a plan outlined by VDOT.

First of note is the construction on Brandon Avenue which has provided a left turn lane onto 23rd Street (the popular shortcut road that essentially runs through Towers Shopping Mall).

And, coming up according to VDOT, a new traffic light signal will be installed at this intersection of Brandon Avenue and 23rd Street. Then, work will commence at the above section of Colonial Avenue as the overall project is expected to continue throughout the next 6 months.

I’m adding this project to the Update 30, which means I’ll follow its progress and provide updates once each calendar month until complete