VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recently completed work on a series of interchange improvements at I-195 and Laburnum Avenue (Route 197) in Richmond. The $1.9 million project included construction of a roundabout made from precast concrete pieces, the first of its kind in the United States of America.

Additional improvements included the construction of a separate left turn lane at I-195 north and Laburnum Avenue, along with landscaping.

Work began in early August 2020. Installation of the precast roundabout was completed in one weekend, compared to the four months typically required to install a traditional roundabout. This process saved an estimated $200,000-$250,000 and is already being embraced as a new standard for similar roundabout projects.

“The major success in time and cost savings from the project has been a tremendous benefit to Virginia, and a demonstration of VDOT’s commitment to good stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Richmond District Engineer Shane Mann, P.E. “Our expert project team’s innovative idea to use precast pieces to construct the roundabout ultimately saved money, time and, above all, inconveniences that drivers would face during conventional roundabout construction. We couldn’t be more thrilled to complete this improvement and further enhance safety to keep Virginia moving.”

For more information about this project, visit the project web page.

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