BY DONNIE JOHNSTON

Culpeper County's Western Outer Loop is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Board of Supervisors yesterday unanimously approved a proposed Virginia Department of Transportation alignment for the 1.6-mile, four-lane highway that will link Ira Hoffman Lane with U.S. 522 (Sperryville Pike).

The board's action means VDOT can now schedule a design hearing--probably this summer--and start negotiating for right of way. Preliminary plans call for construction to begin sometime next year.

The estimated cost is $10 million to $14 million. The county already has set aside about $9 million in revenue-sharing money for the project.

County planner John Egerston explained that the loop road will intersect with Sperryville Pike (with a signal light) in such a manner that it can someday be tied into State Route 641. That would extend the western bypass from U.S. 29 Business North to U.S. 29 South near the Culpeper Agricultural Enterprises.

Egerston also said the westernmost part of the Outer Loop had been "pushed as far north as possible" to minimize its impact on existing structures. To this end, part of a VDOT-owned parcel will be used rather than private acreage to the south.

Under the proposed plan, St. Jameson Road will end about half a mile from the Sperryville Pike and a cul-de-sac will be put in place.

Egerston added that the four-lane highway will merge into two lanes where it meets the Eggbornsville Road before its intersection with State Route 229. He said this would lessen the immediate impact on existing homes at the east end of the road.

"What we plan [at Eggbornsville Road] is to build a two-lane road within a four-lane right of way," Egerston said. The other two lanes could be added when traffic demand warrants.

One additional cost in the project will be the construction of a bridge over Balds Run. Because of occasional flooding, VDOT has decided that box culverts can't be used.

At yesterday's meeting, the board also spent about half an hour tweaking a proposed water-sewer agreement between the county and the town. Of particular concern was a clause giving the town the exclusive right to serve adjoining areas of the county.

"What happens if the town runs out of water [and sewage capacity] and there are customers there that need serving?" asked Supervisor Steve Nixon.

County Administrator Frank Bossio said he would discuss this question with town officials before a joint public hearing on the agreement set for 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Daniel Technology Center.

Donnie Johnston:
Email: djohnston@freelancestar.com