During a recent government meeting, representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) presented findings from the STAR study, a comprehensive transportation analysis focused on the I-95 corridor, particularly around the Washington and Wood Street interchange in Petersburg. The study aims to identify and address critical transportation needs in the area, which includes 32 interchange ramps and 34 intersections.

Liz McAdory, a VDOT official, outlined the study's objectives, emphasizing the need to improve access to downtown Petersburg, reduce congestion, enhance safety at identified hotspots, and improve multimodal connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. The study also aims to address the feasibility of converting one-way streets to two-way traffic to enhance accessibility.

Key areas of concern highlighted in the study include safety issues along Washington Street, Crater Road, and Graham Road, where several intersections have been identified as needing improvements. The study also noted that future traffic projections indicate worsening conditions due to population growth and economic development, necessitating immediate action.

The proposed solutions include a suite of improvements designed to alleviate congestion, enhance travel time reliability, and improve safety at critical locations. VDOT plans to apply for funding through the state's Smart Scale program to support these initiatives, with the next steps involving collaboration with local stakeholders and public outreach to finalize the implementation plan.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing transportation challenges in the region, with VDOT officials expressing a commitment to developing affordable, phased improvements that can be funded and executed effectively.