The objective of the STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) Program is to develop comprehensive, innovative transportation solutions to relieve congestion bottlenecks and solve critical traffic and safety challenges throughout the commonwealth. VDOT’s Staunton District has been awarded a STARS grant to study operational and safety conditions on a 2.1-mile segment of US 33 (Market Street) between Evelyn Byrd Drive and Vine Street in the City of Harrisonburg. The study will also evaluate a planned extension of Martin Luther King Jr. Way to Country Club Road from Market Street. The study will also identify potential projects that improve safety and operations that can be programmed into the VDOT Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP).

This application was discussed at the March 16, 2017, Policy Board meeting, where the Board voiced consensus to move forward with the application. VDOT hosted a kickoff meeting with the Study team on August 30, 2017, and begin work on the Study with data collection in September. Kimley-Horn and Associates, the selected consultant, will begin work in October 2017. Draft recommendations are expected to be completed in March 2018 for review and preparation for a SMART SCALE application in May 2018.

A map depicting the potential study boundary along a segment of Route 33.