Phase I of the the Millwood Avenue Public Improvement Project will begin on Monday, June 2, and will continue throughout the summer. This phase is projected to take a total of 150 days. Three significant enhancements included in the overall project will improve Millwood Avenue and University Drive areas near Shenandoah University.
These enhancements include significant stormwater management improvements, the realignment of University Drive and the creation of a free-flowing right turn lane on Jubal Early Drive.
Millwood Avenue, in front of the university, will stay open until all of this work is completed. Motorist and pedestrian safety remains a priority throughout the construction process.
Beginning Monday, June 2, University Drive will be closed to thru traffic from Millwood Avenue to the Lowry Tennis Courts. This portion of the road will remain closed until University Drive is realigned, a process that will take approximately 120 days.
For the first 30 days, the closure of University Drive will also include the portion between the intersection at Lowry Drive (near Wilkins Lake) and the Lowry Tennis Courts. As a result of the construction, the Armory building parking lot will be eliminated.
Entrances to the university during this closure will include Lowry Drive via Millwood Avenue and Lowry Drive via Pleasant Valley Road. Both entrances will also serve as entrances to Jim Barnett Park, Lowry Tennis Courts and Potts Basketball Courts.
Public parking for the tennis and basketball courts during the closure is available on Shenandoah’s campus in Parking Lot D, located directly below the Brandt Student Center, in front of the campus parking garage.
Beginning Monday, June 9, lanes will narrow from 12 feet to 10 feet on Jubal Early Drive, in front of the university, for the construction of a free-flowing right turn lane. According to City of Winchester officials, 10-foot lanes are sufficient for tractor trailers, emergency vehicles, etc.
Shenandoah University looks forward to the opportunity to improve the Millwood traffic corridor and beautify the entrance to Winchester for local residents and visitors to the area.