VDOT to hold Public Hearing on proposed RCUT at Route 13 and Daughtery Road

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a design public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, to present details and gather feedback on the proposed installation of a restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) at the intersection of Route 13 (Lankford Highway) and Route 648 (Daugherty Road) in Accomack County.

The meeting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Nandua High School in Onley, VA (26350 Lankford Highway). The hearing will be an open house-style event, with no formal presentation, giving attendees the opportunity to review the proposed project plans, ask questions, and provide comments.

In the event of severe inclement weather, the meeting will be rescheduled to Thursday, December 5, at the same time and location.

Project Details
The proposed project seeks to reconfigure the existing four-legged, unsignalized intersection into an RCUT, a design aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of crashes at this location. The current intersection has been identified as a high-risk area, based on findings from the 2016 Eastern Shore Safety Study, which noted a history of frequent and severe crashes.

The RCUT design works by eliminating left turns from the minor road onto the major road, reducing conflict points and improving overall traffic flow. The new configuration would also address several current issues at the intersection, including inadequate turn lanes and taper lengths, and the absence of median crossover delineation.

Proposed Improvements

• Reconfiguration of the Route 13 and Route 648 intersection into an RCUT.
• Installation of new lighting for improved visibility.
• Construction of two shoulder extensions (or “bulb-outs”) on Route 13 to allow larger vehicles to safely make U-turn maneuvers.

While the RCUT design may slightly increase travel time during periods of low traffic, studies show that it reduces delays during high-traffic volumes, helping to clear congestion more quickly and improving overall traffic operations.

Public Input and Comments

The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public with an opportunity to review the proposed designs, speak with VDOT representatives, and offer feedback on the project. Oral and written comments will be accepted during the meeting, and the public can submit comments until December 1, 2024. Comments can be sent to Sydney French, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434, or via email to [email protected] (please reference “Restricted Crossing U-Turn on Route 13 at Route 648 Comment” in the subject line).

For more information, visit the VDOT project page: VDOT Route 13 at Route 648 RCUT.

The public is encouraged to attend and provide input on this important safety improvement project.