Published: February 17, 2008 09:47 pm      

VDOT plans to relocate Hockman Pike

BLUEFIELD, Va. — The Virginia Department of Transportation is hoping to relocate a two-lane roadway in Bluefield, Va. outside of the existing flood plain, as well as replace a substandard bridge.

VDOT has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, March 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. to receive input on plans for relocating Hockman Pike, beginning at the intersection of Hockman Pike and Fincastle Turnpike (or Route 720) and ending at the intersection of the existing Hockman Pike and Parkview Street.

“What is happening, Hockman Pike is going to be relocated because we need to eliminate a substandard bridge, and the roadway and the bridge in that area are in the flood plain,” VDOT spokeswoman Michelle Earl said. “So this will eliminate that. This section of Hockman Pike that is being relocated is between Route 720 and Parkview Drive. So people would now connect to Hockman Pike off of Fincastle (Turnpike). That is what it will look like should the new route be accepted by the community.”

Earl said the state wants roadways in the Commonwealth located outside of the flood plain.

“In this day and age, that is definitely our goal,” Earl said. “To VDOT's knowledge, there has been no major flooding in the area. Because the bridge on Hockman Pike is in need of replacement, the relocation of Hockman Pike would get the roadway out of the Bluestone flood plain and would eliminate the need for a bridge, saving maintenance dollars in the long term.”

Earl said VDOT will retain access to a church located along the current Hockman Pike.

The proposed relocation project would extend about a half mile.

Earl said VDOT hopes to begin right of way acquisitions on the project by the summer.

Earl said the March 10 meeting will give citizens an opportunity to review and discuss plans for the relocation project. There will not be a formal answer and question session at the meeting. Earl said the citizens who attend the March 10 meeting will instead be able to review maps, drawings and other materials explaining the proposed project.

Residents also will be allowed to discuss the project with VDOT representatives anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. Citizens also will be allowed to record verbal comments about the project for the official record anytime during the public hearing.

– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com