Olde Forge Drive Park And Ride, Route 17 Project Feedback Solicited

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback in person on the Virginia Department of Transportation's Park & Ride on Olde Forge Drive and Route 17 (Warrenton Road) improvements project.

VDOT is hosting a open house-style public hearing on Aug. 6, from 5-7 p.m., at the VDOT Fredericksburg District Auditorium located at 86 Deacon Road in Fredericksburg. A rain date has been set for the same time on Aug. 13.

The public comment period opened on July 3 and runs through Aug. 16. Comments about the project can be submitted using an online form: https://publicinput.com/OldeForgeDriveParkandRide­­­­­­­­­­­­­­.

Estimated to cost $12.1 million and paid for through Interstate Corridor funds., the project seeks to reduce congestion by making the following improvements to Route 17 Business/Warrenton Road at Route 1580/Olde Forge Drive and Route 698/RV Parkway:

• Route 17 Business would be widened to include a dedicated southbound right turn lane to Olde Forge Drive.
• RV Parkway would be realigned to intersect with Olde Forge Drive at Route 17 Business.
• New traffic signal equipment would be installed at the new four-way intersection, including pedestrian crossings.
• Existing sidewalk will be upgraded, and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk would be built along Route 17 Business from Short Street to Olde Forge Drive and would continue for approximately 600 feet east of Olde Forge Drive.

The project also includes the construction of a new Park and Ride commuter lot along Olde Forge Drive close to the Thomas Lane intersection. The new lot will include 511 parking spots with lighting, as well as bicycle and pedestrian amenities, slugging facilities, bus loops, and a bus shelter.

The commuter lot will cost an estimated $24.1 million and will be funding via Virginia's SMART SCALE program.