VDOT introduces updated traffic pattern to make Northumberland County roads safer

Fredericksburg, Virginia – In a move focused on enhancing road safety and minimizing vehicle collisions, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing to implement a new “road diet” along Route 360 in the Callao and Lottsburg areas of Northumberland County. The project is scheduled to begin this summer and is expected to wrap up by mid-November, weather permitting.

Changes to Route 360 and What Drivers Can Expect

The traffic changes will affect two specific areas on Route 360:

• From west of the Route 360 and Route 202 intersection in Callao to the signal at their intersection.

• From the intersection of Route 624 (Lewisetta Road) to the divided roadway east of Route 632 (Kingston Road) in Lottsburg.

In both segments, VDOT will reduce the current four-lane configuration to two through lanes—one in each direction—and introduce a center two-way left turn lane. This redesign is part of a widely recognized safety initiative called a “road diet,” which restructures travel lanes to improve traffic flow and decrease accident frequency.

Crews will begin their work as early as Monday, June 23, starting with the removal of old pavement markings in the Callao area. Temporary markings will be installed before final paving and permanent lane painting takes place later in the summer. Motorists traveling along Route 360 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. should expect minor delays during this transition period.

VDOT will also install new signage to help guide drivers through the updated layout, including instructions on using the center turn lane. Additionally, message boards have been placed along the route to notify travelers of the upcoming changes.

Why the Road Diet Is Being Introduced

According to VDOT, Route 360 currently carries an average of 7,500 vehicles a day in the targeted sections. This volume makes it a prime candidate for a road diet, which research has shown to be highly effective for roads handling 20,000 vehicles or fewer daily.

“The new traffic pattern will significantly reduce crash risks, particularly angle, left-turn, and rear-end collisions,” VDOT stated. The central two-way left turn lane will prevent drivers from stopping or slowing down in the main traffic lane to make turns, which is a common cause of rear-end crashes. It also reduces the number of lanes that vehicles from side streets must cross, cutting down on angle and head-on accidents.

Other benefits of the road diet include:

• Improved visibility and sight distance

• Wider travel lanes that reduce sideswipe accidents with utility poles, especially for large trucks and farm equipment

• Increased pedestrian and cyclist safety due to fewer crossing lanes and more shoulder space

• Calmer traffic flow and reduced average speeds

A Safer Future for Route 360

With completion expected by mid-November, the road diet is a proactive step toward a safer and more efficient travel experience in Northumberland County. By strategically reducing lanes and adding a dedicated center turn lane, VDOT is addressing both current traffic concerns and future safety goals.

For additional updates and more details, residents and drivers are encouraged to visit the project page at www.VDOT.Virginia.Gov.