STARS US 11 at Exit 298 Study Alternatives
STARS US 11 at Exit 298 Study Alternatives
The Exit 298 Operational Safety Analysis Report (OSAR) STARS study is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Shenandoah County/Town of Strasburg to evaluate transportation needs and develop recommendations for the I-81 Exit 298 Interchange with US 11 (Old Valley Pike). The study location begins at the intersection of Radio Station Road and US 11 in the Town of Strasburg and ends at the intersection of US 11 and Oranda Road in Shenandoah County, as shown in the following study area map.
The primary objective of this STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study is to identify congestion and crash hotspots in the vicinity of the I-81 interchange and recommend targeted improvements to address observed issues. Future traffic from anticipated development were considered in the analysis.
For additional background, US 11 is a four-lane roadway classified as a minor arterial with an Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) of 13,000 as of 2023 and a posted speed limit of 45 mph. The corridor attracts a high percentage of trucks from nearby industrial uses accessing I-81.
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 and Town for advancement through state transportation funding programs.
Known Issues:
- Operations
- I-81 southbound off-ramp presents long queueing during the PM peak hour in the existing conditions (2025), and it is expected to increase significantly in the future (2054), spilling back to the I-81 southbound.
- I-81 northbound off-ramp operation is currently experiencing some delays but is expected to worsen significantly in the future year (2054) for both AM and PM peak hours.
- Safety
- The crash rate along the corridor is twice as high as the Staunton District average.
Community Feedback (1st Survey)
- Concerns about congestion along the I-81 off ramps and US 11, especially during peak hours.
- Concerns about visibility and difficulties crossing US 11 while making left turns from the I-81 off ramps.