The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced a public hearing to discuss proposed improvements at the intersection of Route 522 (Front Royal Pike) and Costello Drive, including Travelodge Lane in Frederick County. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at Millwood Station Banquet Hall in Winchester.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with VDOT officials and designers on a one-on-one basis during the meeting hours. Written comments can be submitted at the event or sent within ten days afterward to Mr. David Robinson, P.E., Project Manager at VDOT’s Staunton office. Oral comments can also be recorded with assistance from a court reporter.
The project aims to enhance traffic flow and operations by adding roadway capacity at this key intersection that serves local commercial retail businesses. It includes plans for an additional southbound left-turn lane on Route 522 onto Costello Drive, resulting in dual-left turn lanes from southbound Route 522 onto eastbound Costello Drive.
This new left-turn lane will measure 275 feet long with a 185-foot taper to accommodate queued southbound traffic turning onto Costello Drive. Additionally, the intersection will be converted into a thru-cut configuration to restrict thru-movements from side streets and reduce delays. A median will be installed between Costello Drive and Travelodge Lane on Route 522.
Traffic signal modifications are planned to change patterns from Travelodge Lane onto Route 522, featuring dedicated eastbound left, thru, and right turn lanes as well as westbound dedicated left and shared thru/right lanes. High-visibility crosswalks will also be part of the redesign.
Costello Drive had an average daily traffic count of 2,600 vehicles per day in 2023; projections estimate this figure could rise to approximately 29,400 vehicles per day by the design year of 2046.
Further details about the project can be accessed through VDOT’s website or their social media channels on Facebook and X (Twitter). The VDOT Staunton District covers multiple counties including Frederick County where these improvements are planned.
