FREDERICKSBURG – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will install a new “road diet” traffic pattern on Route 360 (Richmond Road/Northumberland Highway) in the Callao and Lottsburg areas of Northumberland County this summer.

The new traffic pattern will be installed:

  • From west of the Route 360/Route 202 intersection in Callao to the signal at the Route 360/Route 202 intersection.
  • From the intersection of Route 624 (Lewisetta Road) to the divided roadway east of Route 632 (Kingston Road) in Lottsburg.

At each location, lane markings on Route 360 will be installed to have one lane for through travel in each direction, and a two-way left turn lane in the center.

The new pattern seeks to reduce the risk of crashes, especially angle, left-turn and rear-end crashes.

Starting as early as Monday, June 23 crews will begin to eradicate existing pavement markings on Route 360 in the Callao area then install temporary pavement markings to create this traffic pattern. Installing the new pattern before resurfacing ensures the permanent lane markings are placed in the correct location after paving is finished.

Route 360 travelers may encounter brief delays in the Callao and Lottsburg areas between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. as crews install temporary lane markings before returning to place permanent lane markings this summer.

New road signs along Route 360 will direct drivers on how to navigate the new two-lane configuration and use the center two-way left turn lane. Additionally, message boards are placed to alert travelers to the new pattern.

Road Diet Benefits

Research has shown that crashes can be reduced on a four-lane road carrying 20,000 vehicles a day or fewer if the road’s pavement markings are painted to have two travel lanes, with a center two-way left turn lane. This traffic pattern change is informally known as a “road diet.” Anticipated safety benefits include:

  • Reduces crash rate overall
  • Significantly reduces severe crash rate resulting in fatalities and injuries
  • Reduces rear-end crashes by eliminating drivers stopping or slowing in left lane to make a left turn
  • Reduces angle crashes. Drivers entering Route 360 from side streets and driveways will cross fewer lanes when turning left.
  • Reduces head-on crashes by increasing the separation between eastbound and westbound Route 360 traffic
  • Traffic calming that reduces average vehicle speed
  • Fewer lanes for pedestrians to cross
  • Additional shoulder space for pedestrian and bicyclist traffic
  • Improves sight distance
  • Wider travel lanes will reduce mirror sideswipes with existing utility poles for larger vehicles and farm equipment

Weather permitting, crews anticipate all work to install the new pattern and complete resurfacing by mid-November.

Route 360 carries an average of 7,500 vehicles a day in these two areas of Northumberland County.

Additional information on the new traffic pattern can be found on the project page at www.VDOT.Virginia.Gov.