June 30, 2025
Lots of discussion at the FB post with these pictures.
The Square Improvements, from the County’s site*
*I’m pasting a lot of what’s on the County site as often they change urls and such, and I think it good to have a record.
- Overall improvements to The Square and Oak Street (between Library Avenue and The Square) will upgrade the stormwater system, enhance water drainage, improve ADA accessibility and pedestrian accommodations, create more marked parking areas, update signage, and improve traffic flow. What residents can expect when the project is completed:
- The Square will see upgrades along 670 feet, including a new sidewalk near existing businesses, perpendicular parking on both sides of the road, and changes at the Crozet Avenue intersection. To improve the traffic flow, the intersection of The Square and Crozet Avenue will be converted into a right-turn-only intersection, meaning no left turns will be allowed from The Square onto Crozet Avenue or from Crozet Avenue onto The Square. Southbound vehicles on Crozet Avenue will be able to access The Square via Library Avenue and Oak Street.
- Oak Street improvements will cover 320 feet and include a sidewalk on the west side and perpendicular parking on the east side.
ANTICIPATED TRAFFIC IMPACTS AND PROJECT TIMELINE
This project was designed to be constructed in stages to limit impact on businesses and the community while maintaining traffic and access to local businesses. During all construction phases, access to businesses will remain. Additionally, there will always be access to private property along the corridor.
During construction, there will be intermittent lane closures, and flagging will be in place. Please slow down, follow all detour signs as posted, be mindful of traffic shifts in the construction zones, and give crews space to work as you drive through the work zones. Please note that this timeline is subject to change as construction schedules depend highly on the weather. The project is currently planned to be constructed in five stages:
>>Stage 1: January 2025
- Construction improvements along Oak Street
- Detour Oak Street traffic to use The Square, Library Avenue, and Alley access
>>Stage 2: Anticipated to Begin April 2025
- Construction improvements on The Square from Oak Street to the Alley
- Detour The Square traffic to use Library Avenue, Oak Street, and the Alley
>>Stage 3: Anticipated to Begin June 2025
- Construction improvements on The Square from Crozet Avenue to the Alley
- Detour The Square traffic to use Library Avenue and Oak Street
>>Stage 4: Anticipated to Begin August 2025
- Construction of the sidewalk in front of businesses along The Square via night work
>>Stage 5: Anticipated to Begin October 2025-February 2026
- Construction of final paving, signing, and striping
We will be sure to keep the community informed on what to expect with traffic impacts and other important project milestones. Still have questions? Email the Facilities & Environmental Services Department for additional assistance.
And an evergreen reminder that change happens, and said change is often discussed many months and years before we see said changes. This post from February 2024’s CCAC meeting discusses the changes in The Square.