Major Intersection Upgrade Planned in Louisa County: Route 208 and Route 522 to Get Safer Single-Lane Roundabout

In a significant development aimed at enhancing safety and traffic efficiency, J.L. Kent & Sons, INC of Spotsylvania has secured a construction contract valued at $2,876,199.01 with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The contract will see the replacement of the existing intersection of Route 208 (New Bridge Road) and Route 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) with a state-of-the-art single-lane roundabout.

The intersection getting the roundabout, named Wares Crossroads, has been an area of major concern for Lake Anna residents as traffic continues to increase, especially during the warm months when travelers and short-term visitors flood the Lake Anna area.

“Most seem to think that this will be worse,” said Randy Thomas, a local resident. “But… it eliminates the decision of to go or not at this accident-filled intersection. There have been lots of accidents there. A lot of drivers don’t seem to understand who has right-of-way or take chances.”

The project, scheduled to be completed by December 5, 2024, comes as a response to Louisa County’s successful funding application through the SMART SCALE process. The primary goal is to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection of U.S. 522 and Route 208.

Studies conducted over the past several years have indicated that a roundabout is the optimal solution for this intersection, as opposed to a traffic signal. The Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) outlines nine specific requirements, known as warrants, that guide transportation agencies in determining the most appropriate intersection solution. In this case, the intersection failed to meet the specified warrants, reinforcing the choice of a roundabout as a safer alternative.

“The roundabout in Gordonville has been there for 50-plus years and works well,” said Thomas. “There are three new ones in Fredericksburg that have relieved congestion by providing a smooth flow. I know some residents don’t agree with the concept, but it will be a nice addition to the LKA road system, providing safety and relieving the backups that are prevalent there. Engineers have designed the roundabout to be large enough for tractor-trailers, boats, and anything that goes on the road. I don’t think there will be any backup once it’s completed.”

Throughout the construction period, which involves periodic lane closures, diligent efforts will be made to keep the public informed about traffic impacts and changes. Notifications will be disseminated through various channels, including media reports, social media posts, and the 511 information service. Additionally, environmental considerations will be prioritized, with measures in place for dust control, siltation, erosion prevention, and stormwater management.

The decision to implement a roundabout stems from its proven safety benefits and efficiency in traffic management. Compared to traditional traffic signals and stop-controlled intersections, roundabouts offer a safer environment by facilitating a continual and efficient flow of traffic. The reduced number of conflict points and lower vehicle operating speeds contribute to minimizing the severity of potential crashes.

Furthermore, the adoption of a roundabout aligns with broader environmental objectives. By reducing idling time and minimizing acceleration and deceleration, roundabouts contribute to lower air pollution and fuel consumption when compared to signalized intersections. Louisa County anticipates that these improvements will not only enhance the safety of the intersection but also result in positive environmental outcomes.

Learn more about what citizens think about the roundabout here.

For a list of other VDOT projects in the Culpeper district, which includes Louisa County, visit https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/culpeper-district/.

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