STAUNTON – Some Shenandoah Valley drivers are seeing longer green lights and related fuel savings as a result of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) optimizing signal timing at dozens of intersections. The smoother traffic flows also reduce rear-end crashes and improve safety for motorists along busy roadways.
The changes went into effect over the spring along busy corridors in three counties.
Frederick County
- Route 277 (Fairfax Pike) in the Stephens City area – six intersections between Route 11 (Main Street) and Route 719 (Warrior Drive)
- Route 522 (North Frederick Pike) west of Winchester – six intersections between Route 679 (Indian Hollow Road) and Westminster Canterbury Drive/Rivendell Court
- Route 11 (Valley Pike) south of Winchester – nine intersections between Route 673 (Renaissance Drive) and Route 652 (Shawnee Drive), including two nearby intersections of Route 37 and the Interstate 81 ramps.
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Warren County
- Route 340/522 (North Shenandoah Avenue/Winchester Road) in the Front Royal area – 12 intersections between Quadrant Road and Route 661 (Fairground Road), including Route 55 (West Strasburg Road)
Rockbridge County
- Route 11 (Lee Highway) north of Lexington – six intersections between Route 631 (Furrs Mill Road/Old Buena Vista Road) and the Lowes shopping center
How the retiming works
VDOT’s Staunton District traffic engineers regularly evaluate traffic patterns and signals on busy corridors. After careful study, they adjust signal timing to optimize the flow of traffic, especially during peak travel times.
“Traffic operations is a VDOT core business function and a vital part of VDOT’s mission,” said Matt Shiley, Traffic Operations Director for VDOT’s Staunton District. “Ensuring our traffic signals support safe, efficient travel is a key component of that work. By regularly retiming corridors every three to five years, we help drivers save time, reduce congestion, and lower travel costs across the region.”
For the three counties, the efforts to study and adjust the timing of the traffic lights cost about $460,000. Using 2025 dollars, VDOT estimates these combined improvements will result in more than $2.7 million in annual travel time, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions savings for motorists.
The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.
Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
