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Staunton: Shared-use path planned to connect downtown, northern city limits

Crystal Graham
staunton vdot commerce avenue route 11
Image courtesy VDOT

Plans are under way to transform a portion of the southbound travel lanes of U.S. Route 11 in Staunton to a shared-use path.

The $6.3 million project will create a 0.82-mile long path to give residents an extended walkable area between downtown and the northern city limits.

The 10- to 14-foot shared-use path will include a grass buffer extending from just south of Statler Boulevard to just north of Greenville Avenue.

The existing northbound lanes will be converted to two 11-foot lanes to accommodate northbound and southbound traffic.

Construction is expected to take place within the existing right of way. During construction, Commerce Avenue is expected to remain open; however, lane and shoulder closures are possible.

This project aims to improve access and mobility while enhancing a key gateway to the city’s downtown. VDOT plans to advertise the project for bids next spring.

A public hearing will be hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in City Council chambers at Staunton City Hall, from 4-6 p.m.

The open-house meeting is meant for citizens to drop in and discuss the project one-on-one with VDOT officials and designers.

Written comments may be submitted at the meeting or within 10 days after the meeting date to Sabrina Tarbell, project manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA 24401-9029.

Oral comments may be recorded at the meeting with the assistance of a court reporter.

The total estimated cost includes $836,000 for preliminary engineering, $128,000 for right of way and $5.3 million for construction.

The project was selected for funding under the Smart Scale process for prioritizing transportation projects.

In the event of inclement weather, the public hearing will be rescheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at the same time and location.


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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]