VDOT holds hearing on project to improve Apperson Drive and Orchard Drive intersection in Salem

SALEM — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites the public to attend a design public hearing for a project to improve safety and reduce delays at the intersection of Apperson Drive (Route 11) and Orchard Drive in the City of Salem.

The hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Salem Residency Office located at 714 South Broad Street in Salem. The hearing will be held in an “open-house” format, and VDOT representatives will be present to answer questions.

This project entails installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Apperson Drive and Orchard Drive and coordinating it with the nearby signal on Route 419. This intersection experiences frequent delays for turning vehicles from Orchard Drive onto Apperson Drive, particularly during peak travel times.

The project also includes constructing a new right turn lane from eastbound Apperson Drive onto southbound Orchard Drive. In addition, eastbound Apperson Drive approaching its intersection with Orchard Drive will be reconfigured to provide a right turn lane, a through lane and a left turn lane.

Comments about the project may be submitted at the hearing or until October 27, 2023, to Jesse Weitzenfeld, Project Manager, 731 Harrison Avenue, Salem VA 24153. You may also email your comments to jesse.weitzenfeld@vdot.virginia.gov. Please reference “Apperson Drive and Orchard Drive Comment” in the subject heading.

Anyone requiring special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting may contact Jesse Weitzenfeld at 540-387-5353, 800-367-7623, TTY/TDD 711.