US 17 is one of 12 Corridors of Statewide Significance designated in VTrans, Virginia’s statewide transportation plan.  It is a critical corridor for interregional freight movement, providing an alternative to the congested I-95 and I-64 corridors.  In the quaint historic town of Tappahannock, US 17 also serves as the main street for local business access.  Despite a compact walkable urban form and closely spaced street grid, US 17’s sidewalks and travel lanes are very narrow, placing pedestrians right next to large trucks.  South of the historic district, US 17 serves shopping centers where entrance improvements are needed, unsignalized intersections present challenges for side-street vehicles, and this portion lacks any facilities for pedestrians.  Five intersections on the US 17 corridor within the Town limits are ranked on the VDOT Fredericksburg District’s list of top 100 intersections with potential for safety improvement, and numerous VTrans safety needs are identified here too.

EPR is leading a study of the US 17 corridor through the Town of Tappahannock to examine the safety needs of all road users, focusing especially on safety for both motorists and pedestrians. It will also examine congestion issues and access spacing deficiencies given its function as both a “main street” for the Town and a corridor of statewide significance for interregional mobility of people and goods.

Study outcomes will include recommendations for improvement projects that are ready for the SMART SCALE application process and can be programmed into the VDOT Six-Year Improvement Program or implemented through other funding programs and opportunities such as maintenance operations and development proffers. Recommendations may include geometric improvements at intersections (including innovative intersection designs), traffic signal operations, access management improvements, and facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit.

EPR is developing the recommendations in collaboration with a study work group including VDOT, Town, County, and Planning District Commission staff, as well as the Essex County Economic Development Authority, Tappahannock Main Street organization, and Bay Transit.

EPR will develop concept drawings, cost estimates, and project schedules for the recommended improvements.  EPR will prepare one-page project summary sheets illustrating the safety benefits and traffic operations results for Town, County, and VDOT staff to use for SMART SCALE, HSIP, and other funding program applications.

EPR is performing the US 17/360 Corridor Study under VDOT’s Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) Program.