The Town of Vinton has announced a change in the timing of the traffic signal at the intersection of Hardy Road (Route 24) and Vinyard Road near the location of Bojangles’ and McDonald’s in Vinton.

The change is being made on Thursday, May 17, with the signals in flash mode while police direct traffic.

Signs alerting motorists of the phase timing change will be in place for about a week.

The Town of Vinton contracted the services of Hurt & Proffitt to perform a study to suggest improvements to the intersection which is often quite busy and can be frustrating to drivers in the area of Lake Drive Plaza, the nearby restaurants, and the Lancerlot.

The study provided ideas for solutions to alleviate the situation. The option chosen with changing the timing of the traffic signal is expected to have the greatest benefit, is less costly and quicker to implement. There are many signalized four-way intersections (particularly along the Route 460 corridor) that have “split phasing” in which the cross streets alternate green. Rather than being green for both approaches at the same time (concurrent), one approach at a time has green (consecutive).

With the change, when one approach of Vinyard Road is green, the opposite approach is red, and both approaches of Hardy Road are red.

This phasing will have little effect on those travelling on Hardy Road, other than some increase in wait times. Overall the change is expected to enhance the functionality of the intersection.

The Town of Vinton asks citizens to “please be aware, be safe, and remember to use your turn signals.”

Traffic is expected to increase at the intersection once renovations are complete at the Lancerlot Sports Complex in the fall, adding an ice hockey and public skating venue in the town.

Contact the Vinton Public Works Department at 983-0646 for more information.