Great progress has been made on the Millwood Avenue Public Improvement Project, which began June 2. Throughout the summer months, significant stormwater management improvements were made, University Drive was realigned, a free-flowing right turn lane on Jubal Early Drive was created, and a roadway was paved to connect Halpin-Harrison Hall to main campus.
Still to come in the construction phase of this project is a relocated entry to Edwards Residential Village and the Hampton Inn, as well as other related traffic circulation improvements to area businesses. A signaled crosswalk at University Drive will also be installed, which will allow safer crossings for students who live in the Edwards Residential Village.
In addition, Winchester’s Green Circle has been extended from its temporary break in the area of the Lowry Tennis Courts. The Millwood Avenue Public Improvement Project has mitigated the stormwater management issues in that area and the walking and biking trail has been enhanced – two sections of the Green Circle will now be connected, creating a 3,800 foot continuous trail.
On Monday, Sept. 15, the free-flowing right turn lane on Jubal Early Drive will open, with a temporary yield sign installed and roadway markings to clearly indicate traffic patterns. University officials will open University Drive to through traffic as well. At that time, the existing stretch of Millwood Avenue in front of Shenandoah University will be closed to allow for additional stormwater management work, as well as the creation of a right turn lane onto University Drive from Apple Blossom Drive.
On that date, the Millwood Avenue entrance to Halpin-Harrison Hall (HHH) will also be closed. Halpin-Harrison Hall (HHH) will now be fully accessible through campus via a new access road located between the Lowry Tennis Courts and the Armory building. HHH also remains accessible via the entrance off of Pleasant Valley Road in front of the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center/Davis Hall.
With these changes, three main entrances to Shenandoah University will exist:
• University Drive, via Apple Blossom Drive/Millwood Avenue
• Lowry Drive, via South Pleasant Valley Road
• Tulane Drive, via Millwood Pike (Shentel Stadium entrance)
Work on Millwood Avenue and Apple Blossom Drive near the University Drive entrance will continue for the next few months. The campus community is urged to drive slowly through this area, as it is still an active construction zone.
