University of Virginia Library

WIDENING OF ROUTE 50

Prior Board action of 5 June 1970 and 3 April 1971 regarding the relocation of State Route 50 adjacent to the Blandy Farm in Clarke County was reviewed and subsequent investigation and correspondence discussed (including information that the historic dry stone wall on the Blandy Farm was rebuilt by the Highway Department in 1941).

Upon invitation of the Board, right of way engineers of the State Highway Department discussed various aspects of the proposed route pointing out various considerations regarding the destruction of property, cost and safety. Likewise, Mr. B. F. D. Runk, on behalf of the University's Arboretum Committee, stressed the destruction of a stand of hardwood trees if the road was widened on the Blandy Farm side, south of the existing highway.

After those invited to provide information had left the meeting, a prolonged and intensive discussion ensued. It was pointed out that to avoid taking property from the Blandy Farm, a possible engineering solution to the highway relocation might provide for the location of the new lane on the opposite (north) side of the existing lane adjacent to Blandy Farm. The highway relocation then could be switched to the south side of the existing lane as it proceeds east from the Farm. Damage to commercial and residential properties would be thereby minimized.

The following resolution was adopted:

• RESOLVED by The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia that the Board continues to object to any widening of existing Route 50 in Clarke County which would require taking of property from the University's Blandy Experimental Farm.