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Millwood Avenue Project

Millwood Avenue project area map, City's section highlighted

Click the image above to enlarge (PDF).

VDOT's Project - Bridge Replacement

This project replaces the Route 17/50/522 (Millwood Pike) bridge over Interstate 81 at exit 313. The new bridge will be constructed just north of the current bridge location. On both ends of the bridge, Millwood Pike will be reconstructed to tie into the new bridge location. The old bridge has seven lanes and the new bridge will have nine lanes.

Improved traffic operations will result from an extended auxiliary-lane and turn lanes, upgraded traffic signals, and a shared-use path along the north side of Millwood Pike beginning on the western side at Abrams Creek, extending across the new bridge to the Front Royal Pike intersection on the eastern side of the project.

City's Project - Millwood Avenue Improvements

The City is considering several options for improving traffic flow on Millwood Avenue between I-81 and Apple Blossom Drive. Staff are coordinating with VDOT for the preliminary design of the City’s project and hope to complete both projects at the same time as VDOT works to replace the bridge (estimated: 2023-2024 timeframe). 

The City’s project (west of the I-81 overpass) consists of the following primary components:

  • Remove the traffic signal at Millwood/Mall Blvd and eliminate left turns at this intersection. Mall Blvd will become a “right in-right out” only condition at this location.
  • Create double left turn lanes for westbound Millwood turning onto Apple Blossom Drive.
  • Create a left turn lane for westbound Millwood to turn into the Vaden property (former Perkins Restaurant and Best Western Hotel).
  • Extend the right turn lane for eastbound Millwood turning onto southbound I-81. This will be a free-flowing lane that will not be controlled by a traffic signal.

Click here to view a combined schematic (PDF) of both Millwood Avenue projects.

The cost of the City’s project is expected to be in excess of $6 million and will be funded by a combination of City General Funds and VDOT Revenue Sharing funds (50/50). Funding is currently expected to be received in 2025.