Image Credit to The Lake Anna Civic Association

As the highly anticipated intersection transformation at Wares Crossroads (208/522) looms on the horizon, Lake Anna residents find themselves caught between a tapestry of concerns and a glimmer of optimism. This impending change, long overdue and met with a mix of trepidation and expectation, prompts residents to vocalize their worries and hopes, amplifying the discourse on the crucial matter of safety at this pivotal intersection.

With numerous accidents and traffic jams each year plaguing the intersection of Route 208 and Route 522 at Wares Crossroads, the decision to replace it with a single-lane roundabout marks a critical step toward addressing longstanding safety concerns. The frequency of incidents at this junction has cast a shadow over the community, with residents expressing a collective desire for a solution that not only mitigates accidents but also eases the chronic congestion that often transforms the crossroads into a bottleneck. The implementation of a state-of-the-art roundabout, despite generating a spectrum of opinions within the community, reflects a commitment to proactively enhance safety and streamline traffic flow in an area where the status quo has proven to be inadequate.

“My biggest issue is the original timeline just kept getting pushed and pushed and pushed…” said local resident Mark Strauss, referring to the elongated and seemingly elusive schedule for addressing the intersection concerns at Wares Crossroads. As the community grapples with prolonged anticipation, there’s a palpable sense of frustration among residents who have witnessed promises and timelines come and go without tangible progress. Strauss’s sentiments echo a shared sentiment of impatience, emphasizing the urgency of finally implementing a solution that ensures the safety and efficiency of this crucial intersection.

Community Reactions Reflect Diverse Opinions

We asked residents who belong to a Facebook Group called ‘Lake Anna Chatter’ what they thought of the change. To see all of the responses, visit and join the Facebook group here.

The announcement has elicited a range of responses, reflecting a diversity of opinions on the roundabout project. Craig Bailey expressed a sentiment shared by many, stating, “Long overdue.” Others like Kathy Blanks welcomed the change, stating, “Definitely an improvement!” Carrie Withers, a resident familiar with the intersection’s challenges, shared her perspective, saying, “I think it is great!! It will keep traffic moving, and I won’t have to wait in the long backed-up traffic lines in the summer!”

However, not everyone is on board with the roundabout idea. Stacy Rebel Woolf expressed skepticism, calling it a “waste of money.” This sentiment was echoed by Terry Zamski, who highlighted the recurring promises of improvements in previous years. Stacy Rebel Woolf further argued for a traffic light, claiming it would be more cost-effective.

Expert Opinions and Guidelines

The decision to implement a roundabout aligns with guidelines set by the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD outlines specific requirements, known as warrants, guiding transportation agencies in determining appropriate intersection solutions. In this case, the intersection failed to meet specified warrants, reinforcing the choice of a roundabout as a safer alternative.

“I have been reading the replies regarding the roundabout. My wife and I owned a Civil Engineering firm and designed numerous roadways including roundabouts throughout the years. What people need to understand is that the state has very specific design guidelines and standards that must be met. The entire process has probably been going on for years,” said Doug Barmoy. “There have been many detailed studies, such as traffic studies, surveys, and right-of-acquisitions performed to justify the need and type of improvements necessary. Numerous comments were concerning truck and trailer traffic and how they would get through the circle. Part of the design requires that the engineers utilize Trucks with trailer templates to ensure that all vehicles can adequately travel through the roundabout.”

Russell Colbourne supported the decision, drawing on the success of roundabouts in European cities. He stated, “Unlike stop signs or traffic lights, roundabouts facilitate a continuous flow of traffic, reducing congestion and promoting safety.”

Rob Kelley shared positive experiences from Chesterfield County, emphasizing that roundabouts have proven effective in various states and can be problematic only for those unfamiliar with their functioning.

Concerns and Learning Curves

Despite the anticipated benefits, concerns have been raised by residents like Kathleen Campbell, who questioned the roundabout’s size and its ability to accommodate trailers and boats. Stacy Rebel Woolf reiterated her preference for a traffic light, highlighting the potential construction disruptions and the learning curve for drivers.

“The roundabout was designed by engineers… that’s not the problem.” explained resident David Bailey. “The problem is that residents don’t know how to drive through them.”

Dawn Bassford Jackson shared a positive experience with roundabouts in Northern Virginia, acknowledging a learning curve at the beginning but emphasizing the long-term benefits of reduced traffic congestion.

“Please bear with the construction as most people will be very pleased with the final result,” said Barmoy.

The community’s response to the upcoming roundabout at Wares Crossroads reflects a mix of opinions, with some expressing optimism for improved safety and traffic flow and others voicing concerns about construction disruptions and potential challenges for drivers. As the project progresses, the community will undoubtedly experience the impact of this major intersection upgrade, shaping the future of travel in Louisa County.

Roundabout Instructions from VDOT

Learn more about the roundabout timeline here.

For ongoing updates on the roundabout, subscribe to Lake Anna Online™ here.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

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