A recent analysis by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) concluded that a traffic signal is not warranted at the intersection of U.S. 58 and Virginia 680 (Spring Road/South Mayo Drive) in Patrick Springs. The decision, outlined in an April traffic engineering work order, was based on an evaluation of traffic volumes, turning movements, and crash data.
Lisa Price-Hughes, VDOT’s resident engineer, explained the criteria used to determine the need for a traffic signal.
“There are certain requirements for hourly volumes of traffic on the main line, which would be (U.S.) 58, traffic volume on the intersection, which would be Spring Road” and South Mayo Drive — “all four legs,” Price-Hughes said.
The study reviewed traffic patterns during peak hours, which are between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The highest volume of traffic was recorded from 4-5 p.m., with 640 vehicles traveling east and west on U.S. 58. Meanwhile, Virginia 680 experienced a peak of 117 vehicles from 10-11 a.m. The lowest volumes were 408 vehicles on U.S. 58 and 78 vehicles on Virginia 680, both recorded between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
The intersection is classified as a rural arterial for U.S. 58 and a rural major collector for Virginia 680. In 2022, U.S. 58’s average annual daily traffic (AADT) was 8,621 vehicles west of the intersection and 5,196 east of it. South Mayo Drive’s AADT was 461, while Spring Road saw 3,513 vehicles per day.
A radar speed sample found the 85th percentile speeds on U.S. 58 were 53 mph westbound and 52 mph eastbound.
Crash data spanning 10 years, from August 2014 to April 2024, showed 15 crashes related to the intersection. Most involved a left-turn or crossing movements from Virginia 680. Eight of the crashes resulted in injuries. The average age of at-fault drivers was 60.3 years, with 66.7 percent exceeding that age.
Three crashes occurred between October and December 2023, prompting renewed discussion about intersection safety. Before these incidents, the most recent crash occurred in December 2021.
The report also stated the age of at fault drivers is a commonality, and Traffic Engineering recommended improvements in both the long-term and short-term “to address the issue of older drivers, and their ability to judge speed, distance, and gaps in traffic.”
The report outlined short-term and long-term safety improvements. Short-term measures include:
Installing transverse rumble strips in both directions on U.S. 58.
Relocating and refreshing existing signage.
Adding ground-mounted “Intersection Warning” signs with supplemental plaques.
Replacing existing signs with updated versions.
For long-term safety, VDOT suggested exploring alternative intersection designs, such as roundabouts or restricted movement options. The agency emphasized the importance of community support for such projects.
“It should be noted community support is vital to the success of an alternative intersection design,” the report stated.
VDOT encouraged the county to consider applying for funding through programs like SmartScale or the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Price-Hughes noted the county’s past success with SmartScale projects, including improvements at Archie’s Creek on Virginia 103 and Ashby Drive on Virginia 8.
“We’ve been through six rounds of SmartScale already. The 2026 round will be round seven, and that’s what a project like (U.S.) 58 and 680 would be eligible for should the county choose to apply,” she said.
VDOT assists localities with SmartScale applications by providing sketches and cost estimates, but the application process remains the locality’s responsibility, “but we heavily assist in developing the application,” she said.
VDOT has studied this intersection multiple times. In 2003 and 2004, traffic engineering reports concluded that a signal was not warranted, though recommendations included installing flashing beacons. Overhead flashing beacons were added in 2017 to enhance visibility.
VDOT’s current approach prioritizes innovative intersection designs over traditional stoplights, Price-Hughes said.
“We are moving away from stoplights and more towards innovative intersections like roundabouts, offset intersections, and restricted movement,” she said. “We have to investigate any kind of alternatives before we even consider a signal. That’s where we are in the process right now.”
