VDOT Schedules February 25 Public Hearing in Staunton for Commerce Road Shared-Use Path Project

STAUNTON – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing in the City of Staunton concerning a proposed shared-use path on Commerce Road (Route 11) between Statler Boulevard and Greenville Avenue. The open-house meeting will take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Rita S. Wilson Council Chambers at Staunton City Hall, 116 W. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401.

Citizens can come in anytime during the meeting hours and discuss the project on a one-on-one basis with VDOT officials and designers. Submit written comments at the meeting or within 10 days after the meeting date to Sabrina Tarbell, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA  24401-9029. Oral comments can be recorded at the meeting with the assistance of a court reporter.

In the event of inclement weather, the public hearing will be held Wednesday, March 4, at the same time and location.

This project repurposes the southbound travel lanes of Commerce Road (Route 11) into a 10- to 14-foot shared-use path with a grass buffer extending from just south of Statler Boulevard to just north of Greenville Avenue.

The existing northbound lanes will be converted to two 11-foot lanes to accommodate northbound and southbound traffic. Construction is expected to take place within the existing right of way.

The planned shared-use path is about 0.82-mile long, from 0.64-mile south of New Hope Road (Route 254) to 0.18-mile north of New Hope Road. It is part of a broader connection proposed between downtown and the northern Staunton city limits to give residents and commuters an extended walkable area.

This project will improve access and mobility for all roadway users while enhancing a key gateway to the city’s downtown. It was selected for funding under the SMART SCALE process for prioritizing transportation projects.

In 2022 Commerce Road had an average traffic volume of 2,457 vehicles per day. By the design year of 2049 the estimated traffic volume is 2,789 vehicles per day.

The total estimated cost for this project is $6.3 million including $836,000 for preliminary engineering, $128,000 for right of way and $5.3 million for construction.

Additional information is on the VDOT project page.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.

Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.