The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is inviting public input on a transportation study focused on U.S. 29 Business (Emmet Street) and U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The study area extends from Route 654 (Barracks Road) to Woodbrook Drive, including the interchange of U.S. 29 Business and the U.S. 29/U.S. 250 Bypass.
This initiative, known as the Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study, aims to evaluate current conditions, challenges, and opportunities for improvement for all users of these roadways. A brief public survey is open until May 23 for collecting feedback.
U.S. 29 is recognized as a Corridor of Statewide Significance, serving as a crucial north-south route connecting regional traffic to Interstate 64 and U.S. 250 in the south, and U.S. 17 and Interstate 66 in the north. It also provides access to Albemarle County’s Places29 Development Area, Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia.
The survey can be accessed online at https://publicinput.com/us29250emmet. This study represents a collaboration between VDOT, the City of Charlottesville, and Albemarle County to assess transportation needs and propose improvements for both the corridor and interchange.
The STARS study will explore potential safety and operational enhancements for vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit users within the study area while developing cost estimates for preferred alternatives. Based on its findings, local leaders may consider improvements that could be included in comprehensive plans; however, this does not commit funds or establish construction timelines.
For further inquiries about the study, Charles Proctor, VDOT Planning Manager for Culpeper District can be contacted at (540) 829-7558 or via email at Charles.Proctor@VDOT.Virginia.gov.
Updates regarding Culpeper District activities are available on its Facebook page or Twitter account @VaDOTCulp. For reporting hazardous road conditions or general questions, VDOT’s Customer Service Center can be reached at my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
Real-time travel information including traffic conditions can be found on the 511Virginia website or through the free VDOT 511 mobile app.
