Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is inviting public participation in an online survey, running from February 13 to February 27, 2025. The survey concerns a study focused on the area near Interstate 81, exit 298 in Shenandoah County. This study examines Route 11 (Old Valley Pike), stretching from Radio Station Road/Route 825 (Hite Lane) in the Town of Strasburg to Route 629 (Oranda Road) at Route 850 (Quarry Lane).

Participants can access the survey through this link: https://publicinput.com/us11exit298.

The primary goal of the study is to assess both current and future transportation conditions along this corridor. The evaluation will focus on identifying locations and potential causes of travel delays and accidents. Recommendations aimed at improving safety and mobility for all road users will be developed based on these findings.

Route 11 is classified as a minor arterial four-lane roadway with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour. In 2023, it recorded an average daily traffic volume of approximately 13,000 vehicles. The corridor experiences significant truck traffic due to nearby industrial activities that utilize I-81.

This initiative, known as the I-81 exit 298 Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study, represents a collaborative effort between VDOT, Shenandoah County, and the Town of Strasburg. The objective is to evaluate transportation needs and propose recommendations for enhancing the exit 298 interchange.

Once the survey concludes, VDOT and its partners will analyze the data collected to formulate potential improvement recommendations. These final suggestions will be considered by VDOT, Shenandoah County, and the Town of Strasburg for inclusion in state transportation funding programs.

VDOT leads this project with JMT acting as a consulting partner responsible for developing the study framework and supporting analysis.

The VDOT Staunton District oversees transportation services in several counties including Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.