Welcome to Roanoke Valley Field Notes, a collection of news and miscellaneous notes from the past week in the valley and a look ahead at what’s happening next week. Here’s my last edition if you missed it.
The much-discussed new center turn lane on Williamson Road is here to stay, with an interesting take from a city official.
As always, email me at samantha@cardinalnews.org to share your thoughts, ideas, questions and concerns.
Williamson Road lane configuration results in 40% crash reduction
A lane reconfiguration on Williamson Road has resulted in 40% fewer total crashes on the road, Ross Campbell, director of public works in Roanoke, told the Roanoke City Council during Monday’s meeting.
“I don’t know that as an engineer I’ve ever seen anything so profound as a 40% reduction,” Campbell said during the meeting.
The project began in 2024 in an attempt to reduce fatalities and crashes on Williamson Road. Citywide between 2019 and 2023, 18% of traffic fatalities and 33% of pedestrian fatalities happened on Williamson Road.
That put Williamson Road in the top 1% to 5% of most dangerous roads in the state by traffic volume, Campbell said.
A steering committee recommended that the city test a pilot with an interim lane reconfiguration, converting the road from four lanes to three with a center left-turn lane. The group also recommended more crosswalks and curb ramps.
The city found that overall traffic flow and typical speeds were generally unchanged during the pilot. However, residents and tenants of Williamson Road did have some complaints about the changes. Transition areas at corridor ends were abrupt, the center turn lane was too narrow, and bus stop placement didn’t make sense with new traffic lights.
These are all things that will be addressed with the permanent repaving of the road this summer, Campbell said.
Popular trail to Tinker Cliffs reopens with new trailhead and parking
The Andy Layne Trail in Troutville, which leads to the Tinker Cliffs peak on the Appalachian Trail, will feature a new trailhead and parking lot as of Thursday.
It will include a new footbridge over Catawba Creek and space for 50 vehicles in the parking lot.
The project was fully funded by the Roanoke Cement Company, which has partnered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for 35 years, an ATC press release stated.
“Together with McAfee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth, Tinker Cliffs is among the most-visited locations on the entire A.T.,” according to the release.
The out-and-back hike to Tinker Cliffs through this trail is over 7.5 miles, with almost 2,000 feet in elevation change, according to Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. With McAfee Knob and Dragon’s Tooth, Tinker Cliffs is one of three peaks that make up what’s known as the Triple Crown.
Valley View Walmart bus stop shelter opens this week
A newly constructed bus stop shelter area will open at the Valley View Walmart bus stop on Aug. 21, Roanoke announced in a recent press release.
As one of Valley Metro’s busiest locations, the city said, the stop will have two shelters and direct access to walk to the store.
“This shelter is an investment in the dignity, safety and opportunity of the residents who rely on public transportation,” City Manager Valmarie Turner said in the release. She serves as the Greater Roanoke Transit Company’s vice president of operations. “This is a momentous step forward for a more connected Roanoke.”
In case you missed it:
‘A beautiful tradition’: What goes behind the upkeep of the Appalachian Trail
