Pedestrians, slow-moving vehicles banned on Route 37 in Frederick Co.

WINCHESTER – Following a study at the request of the Virginia State Police and the Frederick County Board of Supervisors, the Virginia Department of Transportation says some new travel restrictions will soon be in place on Route 37, also known as the Winchester Western Bypass, in Frederick County.

VDOT spokesperson Sandy Myers said in a media release that installation work of new signs will begin on Monday, Feb. 13, weather permitting. This action is to enhance the safety of the traveling public by prohibiting pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and other slow moving vehicles.

In recent years, slow-moving farm vehicles, mopeds, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles and pedestrian traffic have greatly increased on Route 37, which has a speed limit of 65 mph. The uptick in this type of traffic has created significant traffic hazards and Virginia State Police have investigated 251 reportable traffic crashes on the 15-mile, primary highway between 2012 and 2016. Two 2013 crashes each had a fatality, according to a media release from VDOT.

On January 18, 2017 the Commonwealth Transportation Board passed a resolution prohibiting slow moving vehicles on Route 37. These restrictions are similar to those found on Interstate 81.

The restriction lists “pedestrians, persons riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, mopeds, animal drawn vehicles, self-propelled machinery or equipment and animals led, ridden or driven on the hoof.”

Once the sign installation is complete, the Virginia State Police can begin enforcement of this restriction. Violators face a class 4 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $250, if convicted.