Backlick signal improvements underway

Construction is underway on improvements to enhance pedestrian and driver safety and traffic operations at the intersection of Backlick Road and Leesville Boulevard in the Springfield area of Mason District.

The traffic signal upgrades include new mast arm poles, foundations, wiring, electrical equipment, high-visibility signal backplates, and signs, VDOT reports.

Drivers on Backlick Road will have flashing yellow arrows for left turns onto Leesville Boulevard and the office park. The yellow arrows allow drivers to proceed but only if there is no oncoming traffic.

Pedestrians will have four new crosswalks with accessible pedestrian signals that provide audible tones, verbal messages, and/or vibrotactile surfaces for people with visual disabilities.  

Two new pedestrian islands will be constructed at the intersection on Leesville Boulevard. Curb ramps will be upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The $700,000 project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2023. It’s financed by federal funds through the Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program.

According to VDOT, Backlick Road averages about 30,000 vehicles a day at the Leesville Boulevard intersection, and Leesville Boulevard averages 4,000.