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VDOT presents STARS corridor study for US 340/522; recommends two Smart Scale applications and local resolution of support
Summary
VDOT’s Stanton District presented a STARS study of the US 340/522 corridor and public survey results; staff recommended not advancing a signal at Guard Hill (warrants not met), and proposed Smart Scale applications for a reduced‑conflict intersection at the McDonald's entrance bundled with ramp work and for roundabout improvements at the Walmart frontage.
Adam Campbell, VDOT Stanton District project manager for the US 340/522 STARS study, told the Warren County Board of Supervisors the year‑long study used field reviews, crash data and traffic modeling out to a 2035 forecast. A second public online survey yielded 237 participants and helped rank alternative intersection improvements along the corridor.
Campbell said a warrant analysis for Guard Hill Road showed the intersection does not meet national signal warrants even under forecasted volumes; VDOT recommends low‑cost sight‑distance and channelization fixes, not a Smart Scale signal application. By contrast, the Park & Ride / McDonald’s commercial entrance and associated interstate ramp approaches were flagged as candidates for a Smart Scale application assembled as a single package that includes a reduced‑conflict intersection to force right turns with U‑turn accommodations and ramp reconstruction.
At the corridor’s highest crash location — Country Club Road and Crooked Run Boulevard — VDOT presented three innovative alternatives (a through‑cut, a partial bow‑tie and a full bow‑tie) that all showed operational benefits but face tradeoffs in driver routing, required U‑turn spacing, and public acceptance. The study team’s recommendation for the written report favored the through‑cut because it achieves similar benefits at lower cost and less impact, though the board heard questions about heavy truck turning radii and emergency‑vehicle access.
Campbell said the county may submit up to four Smart Scale full applications and that full applications are due August 1. He asked the board to consider a single resolution of support to cover the two STARS‑related Smart Scale applications (McDonald’s+ramp bundle and roundabout modifications) and a third county resubmission (turn‑lane safety improvements on Route 55). The draft final study report and ATCS cost estimates are expected in August and staff will present resolution language for board consideration.
Next steps: VDOT and county staff will finalize sketches and cost estimates for Smart Scale submittal; the board may adopt a resolution of support at a public meeting prior to the August 1 full application deadline.
