Nellysford Mobility, Accessibility and Safety Study

Route 151 is a rural two-lane arterial highway that runs along the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains from the northern end of Nelson County at Interstate 64 and Route 250, to the southern end of Nelson County and into Amherst County. Along the way, this designated Virginia Scenic Byway passes through many small communities, Nellysford being one, and provides access to Wintergreen Mountain Resort and the Blue Ridge Parkway and George Washington National Forest. It is a major rural route for local traffic and tourists. Truck traffic uses the northern end of the road and then follows Route 6 east over to Route 29. Nellysford is not heavily affected by truck traffic since Route 151 becomes too curvy below Route 6, especially at Brent’s Mountain, south of Nellysford.

Study Purpose:

The community of Nellysford is within the Rockfish District, the fastest growing Nelson County district in population (US Census: 1980-3051, 1990-3674, 2000-4484), nearly 20% per decade. The amount of traffic on Route 151, which bisects the commercial and service area of the community, is also expected to grow, nearly doubling by 2025 (VDOT). Residents and visitors perceive safety problems due to the amount, type, and speeds of traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists do not feel comfortable in this environment.

This study will analyze the village of Nellysford and recommend improvements to access and safety for all roadway users, as well as exploring increased bicycle and pedestrian mobility options, and interconnections of properties through access management.

Study Area:

Route 151 from a quarter (.25) mile north of Route 634 (West) at Stony Creek to Valleymont Shopping center. This encompasses the properties adjacent to the road along approximately 1.2 miles, and includes more than 30 businesses and about 40 residents. Goals:

The Nellysford area of Route 151 can be made safer and more accessible by:

• Improving roadway design and controlling access to properties,

• Improving bicycle, pedestrian, and transit accommodations, and

• Ensuring that future growth enhances safety and accessibility for all users.