CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – VDOT is looking for public input on safety and traffic improvements along Route 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) between Route 20 in Unionville through Orange County until the Culpeper County line.

The 6.8-mile stretch of road is the subject of a STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study as assessments have found a high crash volume, speeding, and truck traffic.

Among the known issues, according to the survey introduction, is “a fatal crash rate approximately five times greater than both the statewide and VDOT Culpeper District fatal crash rates”.

Approximately 75% of drivers have been observed through the corridor driving above the 55 m.p.h. posted speed limit, with 85 out of 100 drivers calculated at a speed of 64.5 m.p.h.

Additionally, the VDOT introduction said “on average, heavy truck traffic accounts for 11.3% of the traffic along the study corridor.”

“At the Raccoon Ford Road intersection, the average percentage of heavy truck traffic along the study corridor was 11.5%, with percentages as high as 18% during the midday peak hour.”

The first survey found top driver concerns as speeding and aggressive driving, little to no road shoulder, sudden stopping, and inadequate signage and pavement markings.

There are two key unsignalized intersections within this study area, the 522 intersection at Everona and Pine Stake roads on each side, and 522 at Racoon Ford and River roads on each side.

According to VDOT numbers, “this segment of U.S. 522 has an annual average daily traffic volume of 8,300 vehicles per day and the corridor serves as a primary route for north-south travel in the region”.

The VDOT release about thte STARS study said the concepts illustrated in the study materials “are planning-level options that have not been finalized and have not yet been funded for construction”.

“Responses received through this public survey will help VDOT refine recommendations and develop planning-level cost estimates for preferred alternatives.