Construction on the expansion of Port Republic Road in Rockingham County is one step closer to happening.

On Thursday, it was added to the approved, six-year revised plan by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. However, that plan isn't yet final.

The project was also added to the fiscal year 2010 plan, which won't be considered until June. That fiscal year plan is a draft at this point and will be up for public hearing.

If approved, projects in that plan are expected to begin in July. The Port Republic Road project had design and right-of-way funding, but lost its construction funds due to budget cuts last year.

Now Virginia Department of Transportation officials hope to see the expansion get more than $22.1 million in stimulus dollars to help make up for money that was lost in the budget cuts.

VDOT hopes to advertise the project in November of this year and it hopes to begin construction spring of 2010

A project along I-64 in Allegheny County, which is also in the Staunton construction district, was added to the six-year plan as well.