Residents and travelers are being asked to give feedback regarding priorities for U.S. 522.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is hosting a Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) Study to assess operational and safety conditions along 6.8 miles of U.S. 522, Zachary Taylor Highway, between the Town of Unionville and the Culpeper County line. Two key intersections are included within the study area–U.S. 522 at Rt. 617, Everona Road, and Rt. 620, Pine Stake Road, and U.S. 522 at Rt. 611, Racoon Ford Road, and River Road.
According to VDOT, U.S. 522 serves as a primary route for travel in the region with the two-lane road functioning as a “minor arterial, connecting regional traffic to Rt. 3 and U.S. 29” and “a local business route, providing primary access to the towns and communities in Orange County.” The STARS study will examine traffic operational and safety challenges for those who utilize the road. Average daily traffic for the segment of the road being studied is approximately 8,300 vehicles per day.
The STARS Program brings together planners, traffic engineers, environmental specialists, roadway design engineers and local stakeholders to identify cost-effective options for improving safety and reducing congestion. The program focuses on completing studies to identify projects that can be added to VDOT’s six-year improvement program.
The U.S. 522 study will consider and help develop potential improvements and cost estimates for preferred alternatives. The proposed improvements can then be pursued by localities for funding opportunities and consideration in comprehensive plans. Travelers and roadway users are encouraged to offer their feedback on the roadway segment via an online survey at https://publicinput.com/route522studyorange. The deadline to complete the survey is Sept. 16.
The study group will reconvene in October to review its findings.
