The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a Design Public Hearing from 5-7 p.m. Monday in the Abingdon Elementary School cafeteria to review information and receive input on proposed improvements to the intersection of Route 17 at Guinea Road (Route 216) in Hayes.

This proposed project is being funded with federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds, a VDOT release stated. Proposed design changes seek to improve safety by reducing conflict points near this intersection, which reduces the crash risk for motorists and pedestrians.

A concrete island would be added at the corner of Route 17 northbound and Guinea Road as a pedestrian refuge for people crossing Route 17. Several commercial entrances along Route 17 northbound would become right-turn-in only, directing emerging traffic to use the main York River Crossing shopping center exit at the traffic signal.

Along Route 17 southbound, the northernmost entrance to the Hayes Plaza shopping center would close, directing tr...