The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is set to implement a “road diet” traffic pattern on Route 360 in Northumberland County this summer. The changes will affect the Callao and Lottsburg areas, specifically from west of the Route 360/Route 202 intersection in Callao to the signal at the same intersection, and from Route 624 (Lewisetta Road) to east of Route 632 (Kingston Road) in Lottsburg.
At these locations, lane markings will be adjusted to create one lane for through travel in each direction, with a two-way left turn lane positioned centrally. This modification aims to decrease crash risks, particularly those involving angles, left turns, and rear-end collisions.
Work is scheduled to begin as early as Monday, June 23. Crews will start by removing existing pavement markings on Route 360 in Callao before installing temporary markings for the new traffic pattern. This approach ensures that permanent lane markings are correctly placed after resurfacing.
Travelers on Route 360 may experience brief delays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. during this period as crews work on temporary lane markings before returning later in the summer for permanent installations.
New road signs along Route 360 will guide drivers through the new two-lane configuration and center two-way left turn lane. Additionally, message boards have been deployed to inform travelers about the upcoming changes.
Research indicates that such a “road diet” can reduce crashes on roads carrying up to 20,000 vehicles daily by reconfiguring them into two travel lanes with a central turn lane. Anticipated benefits include an overall reduction in crash rates, fewer severe crashes resulting in fatalities or injuries, reduced rear-end collisions by eliminating left-lane stops or slowdowns for turns, fewer angle crashes due to less cross-traffic when turning left onto Route 360 from side streets or driveways, decreased head-on collision risks by separating eastbound and westbound traffic more effectively, traffic calming effects reducing average speeds, fewer pedestrian crossing lanes needed, additional shoulder space for pedestrians and cyclists, improved sight distances, and wider travel lanes reducing mirror sideswipes with utility poles for larger vehicles and farm equipment.
Weather permitting; all work is expected to be completed by mid-November. Currently, Route 360 accommodates an average of 7,500 vehicles daily across these areas of Northumberland County.
For further details on this project visit VDOT’s website at www.VDOT.Virginia.Gov.
