Virginia Department of Transportation to unveil Route 11 safety improvement plans at public meeting
Staunton, Virginia – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is hosting a public hearing to discuss upcoming improvements to Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway) in Augusta County. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Dairy Barn Lecture Hall in the Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton. The public is invited to attend, ask questions, and engage with VDOT officials and project designers about the proposed improvements.
Purpose of the Project
The primary goal of the project is to improve operational safety along the Route 11 corridor, spanning from Route 1049 (Rolling Thunder Lane) through the interchange with Route 262, and continuing to the southern city limits of Staunton. The current design of Route 11 consists of two through-lanes in each direction and a two-way left-turn lane in the center. This setup has led to numerous traffic incidents due to the multiple points of conflict along the road.
VDOT’s plan will replace the center turn lane with raised medians. These medians will allow left turns only at designated openings, thus minimizing conflict points along the highway. Additionally, most commercial driveways and side streets between Payne Lane and the northern intersection with Orchard Hill Circle will be restricted to right turns in and out. The reduction in conflict points aims to lower the number of traffic crashes along the route.
Minor lane modifications will also be implemented between Rolling Thunder Lane and Frontier Drive to further improve traffic flow.
Multimodal Improvements and Sidewalk Construction
In addition to the traffic flow improvements, VDOT plans to build a new sidewalk along the eastern side of Route 11. This sidewalk will extend from Frontier Drive to the existing sidewalk near Staunton’s city limits, enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility in the area. The project will also introduce crosswalks and ADA-compliant facilities. Traffic signals along the route will be modified to accommodate these changes and ensure the safe movement of both vehicles and pedestrians.
Historical Context and Previous Studies
The project is informed by a Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study, which was conducted in 2018 to evaluate Route 11’s safety and operational challenges. The study assessed the segment from Rolling Thunder Lane to Commerce Avenue in Staunton, including the section in Augusta County. The recommendations made by the study were submitted by Augusta County and subsequently funded through the 2020 SMART SCALE Round 4. These improvements were deemed necessary to reduce crashes, improve overall traffic flow, and enhance multimodal accessibility.
Traffic Volume Projections and Cost Estimates
In 2022, the average daily traffic volume on this segment of Route 11 was approximately 12,127 vehicles per day. By 2048, that number is expected to rise to 13,700 vehicles per day. The upgrades are intended to accommodate this increase in traffic, ensuring that the roadway remains safe and efficient for all users.
The total cost for the project is estimated at $3,344,819. This includes $607,708 for preliminary engineering, $665,359 for right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation, and $2,071,752 for construction. These costs reflect the scope of the project and the resources required to ensure its success.
Public Involvement and Comment Process
Citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearing to learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide input. VDOT officials and project designers will be available for one-on-one discussions with attendees. Written comments can be submitted during the meeting or sent within 10 days following the event to Tracey Bowman, Project Manager, at the VDOT office in Staunton. Oral comments can also be recorded at the meeting with the assistance of a court reporter.
For those unable to attend the meeting, comments can be emailed to [email protected] by November 17, 2024.
The Route 11 improvement project reflects a significant effort to enhance safety, traffic flow, and accessibility for Augusta County residents and commuters. By addressing long-standing issues and preparing for future growth, the project aims to make Route 11 safer and more efficient for years to come. As part of VDOT’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, the public is encouraged to participate in the planning process and offer valuable feedback.
