Blacksburg Council prioritizes road safety measures on Bridal Fork and Price's Fork Roads

The Blacksburg Town Council meeting on April 22, 2025, focused heavily on road and traffic safety, reflecting the community's urgent need for improved measures following recent accidents. Residents voiced their concerns, urging the council to prioritize the enactment of new traffic safety plans to ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly near Virginia Tech.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions about speed limits on Price's Fork Road. Carolyn Howard, the Engineering and GIS Director, presented findings from various studies conducted over the years, highlighting past improvements such as enhanced pedestrian signal timings and the removal of unsafe crossings. The council is considering lowering speed limits in downtown areas this summer, with specific attention to Bridal Fork Road, where a comprehensive speed and safety study is underway.

The council plans to implement immediate changes based on preliminary findings from the ongoing studies, aiming to enhance safety before the return of students in August. Additionally, a broader study by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is set to explore transportation improvements along the Price's Fork corridor, which includes considerations for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Council members also discussed legislative efforts to expand school crossing zone definitions to include higher education institutions, indicating a proactive approach to safety measures. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address both short-term and long-term safety improvements, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping effective transportation policies.

As the council moves forward, the anticipated results from the ongoing studies will play a crucial role in determining the future of traffic safety in Blacksburg, with the aim of creating a safer environment for all residents and visitors.