Fauquier County Board Approves New VDOT Standards for Church Traffic Plan

Fauquier County's Planning Commission made significant strides in addressing traffic safety and access concerns during their work session on July 17, 2025. A key focus of the meeting was the proposed relocation of a property entrance and the development of an acceleration lane, which aims to enhance safety for vehicles merging onto Route 29.

The commission discussed the necessity of meeting Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) standards for the new entrance and acceleration lane. The proposed design is shorter than VDOT typically recommends, raising questions about whether a waiver would be granted. If the waiver is not approved, the developers will be required to adhere to the standard specifications, which could delay the project.

Commission members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the entrance and exit are clearly defined to prevent future access issues. A proposal to amend the conditions of the permit was discussed, aiming to specify that the entrance and exit must be relocated to a designated area, thereby preventing any unauthorized access points. This change is intended to maintain control over traffic flow and ensure safety for both the property and surrounding areas.

Concerns were also raised regarding traffic management during peak times, particularly in relation to a nearby church. The commission considered the need for parking attendants to manage traffic effectively, suggesting that volunteers from the church could fulfill this role instead of requiring police presence, which could complicate traffic flow.

Additionally, the meeting addressed community concerns about vegetative screening to mitigate the visual impact of the church and its parking on neighboring properties. A letter from a concerned citizen highlighted the need for stricter adherence to screening conditions to protect residential views.

As the commission moves forward, the decisions made during this session are expected to enhance traffic safety and address community concerns, setting a precedent for future developments in the area. The next steps will involve further discussions with VDOT regarding the waiver and continued engagement with community stakeholders to ensure that their voices are heard in the planning process.