Residents of Fauquier County and nearby areas will have the chance to learn about and discuss proposed safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. 29 (James Madison Highway) and Route 651 (Lees Mill Road). The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is organizing a design public hearing on March 27, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Laurel Ridge Community College in Warrenton, VA.
The meeting will be an open forum where project team members will present information and answer questions. Attendees can provide written or oral feedback on the project.
The project aims to convert the current intersection into an unsignalized restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) intersection. This design is intended to enhance safety by reducing potential crash points and improving traffic flow, particularly from side streets.
In this RCUT configuration, all side street movements start with a right turn. Cross-median movements and left turns from side streets are not allowed. Two of four existing median crossovers between Lees Mill Road and about 0.3 miles south will be permanently closed for pavement widening and deceleration lane extension.
Access to business entrances in the area will change to right-in/right-out only due to these closures, but access to all businesses and residences will remain during construction.
The $9.3 million project is funded by VDOT’s statewide priority transportation fund, with construction set to begin in spring 2027 and finish in winter 2029.
Further details about the project can be found on its web page. Questions should be directed to John Rose at VDOT Location and Design, Culpeper District via phone or email. Comments can also be submitted during the meeting or sent by mail or email until April 7.
Local updates are available on VDOT’s Culpeper District social media pages, while real-time travel information can be accessed through the 511Virginia website or app.
