Challenge
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) identified five locations where redesigned intersections could reduce crashes, better support all modes of travel, and improve traffic flow. These locations all included unique built or natural landscape constraints, such as a bridge over a river, a railroad underpass, a creek crossing, or a steep, rocky corridor. VDOT decided on a design-build approach to develop context-sensitive intersections.
Solution
Kittelson is part of the design-build team selected by VDOT to deliver a bundle of five innovative intersections: four roundabouts and one continuous green-T intersection in Albemarle County. Our team is leading the concept design for all four roundabouts and developing final design construction documents for two of them. For the other three intersections, we provided peer reviews of the final design documents.
As part of our work, we evaluated the traffic operations of multilane roundabouts to identify opportunities to simplify lane configurations, reduce conflict points, and improve long-term safety. We then developed new concept plans that fit within the context, minimized impacts to the numerous constraints, and met performance goals.
The Outcome
Reimagining Five Challenging Intersections to Improve Travel in Virginia
The updated intersections aim to reduce crash risk, improve traffic flow during peak hours, and provide better connections to neighborhoods, schools, parks, and trails. The new intersections will also preserve the character of the surrounding communities and landscapes. This work builds on our ongoing efforts to combine national research and local understanding to design intersections that better serve their communities.
