STARS study: U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Hwy.) Corridor Alternatives, Orange County
STARS study: U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Hwy.) Corridor Alternatives, Orange County
This STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study is assessing existing and projected future transportation conditions along a 6.8-mile-long segment of U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) in Orange County between the Town of Unionville and the Culpeper County line. The study will examine traffic operational and safety challenges for all road users of the corridor. It will also identify and propose improvements to these challenges within the study area.
The purpose of this survey is to gather public feedback on proposed alternatives that were developed after the first round of public input in September 2025.
There are two key unsignalized intersections within this study area, which include:
- U.S. 522 at Route 617 (Everona Road) and Route 621 (Pine Stake Road)
- U.S. 522 at Route 611 (Raccoon Ford Road) and Route 636 (River Road)
This segment of U.S. 522 has an annual average daily traffic volume of 8,300 vehicles per day and the corridor serves as a primary route for north-south travel in the region. Within the study area, this rural two-lane roadway functions as:
- minor arterial, connecting regional traffic to Route 3 (Germanna Highway) and U.S. 29 (James Monroe Highway).
- a local business route, providing primary access to the towns and communities in Orange County.
The study evaluated existing and future transportation conditions along the study corridor. VDOT is serving as the project manager for the study with JMT as a consulting partner for developing the study, supporting analysis, and improvement concepts. Final study recommendations will be considered by the County for advancement through transportation funding programs.
Known Issues:
- High Crash Rate
- The fatal crash rate along this segment of roadway is approximately five times greater than both the statewide and VDOT Culpeper District’s fatal crash rates.
- Of the six fatalities, four were listed as ‘unrestrained’ or no seatbelt.
- Speeding
- The majority (approximately 75%) of motorists were traveling above the posted 55 MPH speed limit.
- The 85th percentile speed, or the speed that 85 out of 100 drivers are driving at or below on a road, was calculated to be 64.5 MPH; which is 9.5 MPH higher than the posted speed limit.
- Truck Traffic
- On average, heavy truck traffic accounts for 11.3% of the traffic along the study corridor. At the Raccoon Ford Road intersection, the average percentage of heavy truck traffic along the study corridor was 11.5%, with percentages as high as 18% during the midday peak hour.
Community Feedback (1st Survey)
Survey Question: Which of the following safety issues concern you? (Top % responses)
- Speeding/aggressive driving (73%)
- Narrow/no shoulder (63%)
- Sudden stopping/read end crashes (57%)
- Inadequate signing/pavement marking (28%)
Please complete this brief survey to inform the study team about the following improvements proposed:
Visit the project webpage.
Project Partners
Project Location
