VDOT to Host Public Hearing on January 14 for South Street Safety Improvements

Residents of Front Royal will soon have a chance to weigh in on a major roadway project that could reshape one of the town’s busiest corridors. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, January 14, to discuss proposed safety improvements along South Street, between Hill Street and Commerce Avenue / Remount Road (Route 522).

The meeting will be held on January 14, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Samuels Public Library, 330 E. Criser Road, Front Royal. It will follow an open-house format, with no formal presentation. Instead, residents can drop in at any time during the two-hour window to speak one-on-one with VDOT engineers, planners, and project designers.

According to VDOT, this section of South Street is among the most heavily used in the town, with more than 14,000 vehicles per day as of 2023, and that number is expected to grow to over 16,000 by 2050. With so many drivers, pedestrians, and large vehicles using the same stretch of road, officials say safety has become a growing concern.

What’s Being Proposed?

The project focuses on improving safety for everyone who uses South Street—from drivers and delivery trucks to shoppers and pedestrians.

Key features of the proposed upgrades include:

• New crosswalks at several locations along South Street

• Upgrades to existing traffic signals

• Raised medians that act as safe waiting zones for pedestrians crossing the road

  

VDOT says these improvements are designed to reduce the risk of accidents, particularly between vehicles and pedestrians, by slowing traffic in key areas and creating more visible crossing points.

“This part of town has a mix of heavy traffic and foot traffic, especially with so many businesses nearby,” one VDOT representative said. “These changes are aimed at making the area safer and easier to navigate for everyone.”

Project Cost and Timeline

The estimated total cost of the South Street safety project is $4 million. That includes:

• $482,000 for preliminary engineering

  

• $561,000 for acquiring right-of-way and relocating utilities

• $3 million for construction

The improvements were selected for funding through SMART SCALE, Virginia’s data-driven process for prioritizing transportation projects. This program helps ensure that resources are spent on projects that offer the greatest benefit for cost, safety, and travel efficiency.

Construction is expected to begin once final designs are complete and funding is secured, though VDOT has not yet announced a specific start date.

How to Participate

Community members are encouraged to attend the public hearing and share their thoughts. VDOT staff will be available to explain the project, answer questions, and receive feedback.

• Written comments can be submitted at the meeting or within 10 days after—by mail to:
  Cameron Murie, Project Manager
  Virginia Department of Transportation
  811 Commerce Road
  Staunton, VA 24401-9029

In the event of inclement weather, the hearing will be moved to Wednesday, January 28, at the same time and location.

Background and Contact Info

This project is part of VDOT’s broader efforts to make roads safer in Warren County and throughout the Staunton District, which also includes Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Bath counties.

Residents can visit the VDOT website for more details and project maps. For general questions or road concerns, VDOT’s Customer Service Center is available 24/7 at 800-367-7623 or through their mobile-friendly website.