NYSDOT Proposes Lane Reduction for Fluvanna Ave. in Jamestown

Pictured from L to R: Councilman and Public Works chair Tom Nelson (Willard Heights Ward VI), City DPW Director Jeff Lehman, city councilman and committee member Brent Sheldon (College Ward 1), and city councilman and committee member Andrew Liuzzo (At large)

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown City Council Public Works Committee received its first look at proposed lane changes to Fluvanna Ave. during a work session Monday night. City Public Works Director Jeff Lehman told the committee members because the stretch of roadway in the city is part of NY Rt. 430, the decision to reduce lanes comes from the New York State Department of Transportation.

“I had a conversation with the DOT last month and they are looking at modifying Fluvanna Ave., which is currently four lanes, doing something like they did on West Third,” Lehman told the committee members, referring to the lane adjustments on the Third Street Bridge a few years ago. “This is more for information purposes. We’re not going to be voting on this but they did want some feedback from the city. With the amount of traffic we have over there it’s a good proposal.”

Fluvanna Ave. is currently four lanes with two lanes going in either direction from Washington St. west to the city line (approx. half a mile). Under the proposed change, the road would switch to just one lane in either direction for motor vehicles, along with a center turning lane. A bicycle lane in either direction will also be added up to at least the city line.

Lehman said city council isn’t required to take action on the matter, but can volunteer feedback if it chooses. He also said the there is no timeline for when the changes would occur.

NY Rt. 430, also known as the Senator Jess J. Present Memorial Highway, stretches 38.5 miles from Mina on the western end of the to Jamestown where it ends at the intersection with NY Rt. 60 (N. Main St.).

We don’t know if the sections of Route 430 outside of Jamestown will also see bike lanes.