Under Construction: Route 3 and Route 621 (Orange Plank Road) Intersection Modification

October 6, 2023 Update: Construction at the Route 3 and Orange Plank Road intersection in Spotsylvania County to install a new traffic pattern has been paused temporarily for utility relocation. 

This project will modify the intersection of Route 3 and Orange Plank Road in Spotsylvania County to enhance safety.

The project seeks to improve guidance for motorists turning left from Route 3 westbound, and to increase motorist sight distance. The project is estimated to cost around $300,000 and is funded through the federal High Risk Rural Roads program.

The following changes will be made by this project:

• The existing traffic signal at the intersection will be modified
• Left turns from Route 3 westbound onto Orange Plank Road will be controlled by a green arrow, and then a flashing red arrow to provide a stop control
• Orange Plank Road traffic will be restricted from turning left onto Route 3 westbound at the intersection. Instead, motorists will turn right onto Route 3 eastbound to make a U-turn at the next crossover and then proceed west. By eliminating left turns from Orange Plank Road, this provides additional time for Route 3 westbound through traffic to proceed straight through the intersection on a continuous green signal.
• U-turns will continue to be prohibited at the intersection for Route 3 westbound traffic seeking to travel eastbound
• New signs, traffic signal equipment, and pavement markings will be installed to align with the new traffic pattern

This proposed style of intersection is also known as a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT), but can also be thought of as a reduced conflict U-turn intersection. 

Watch a Federal Highway Administration video about this intersection design and its safety benefits. 

(New!) Design Public Hearing: September 28, 2022

A design public hearing was held: 

September 28, 2022

5-7 p.m. 

Chancellor Elementary School

5995 Plank Road

Fredericksburg, VA 22407

A brief presentation was delivered at 5:15 p.m. 

A joint Citizen Comment Opportunity/Notice of Willingness was available on this project from July 28-August 12, 2022. VDOT received a request to hold a public hearing during this willingness posting. 

Proposed Design Displays

Detail Intersection View

Route 3 Corridor View

Additional Documents

Design Public Hearing Brochure

Design Public Hearing Presentation

Project Frequently Asked Questions

Environmental Document

Newspaper Advertisement: Design Public Hearing on September 28, 2022

Online Survey Results: Citizen Comment Opportunity (July 28-August 12, 2022) 

Newspaper Advertisement: Citizen Comment Opportunity/Notice of Willingness

Benefits 

• Enhances motorist guidance for Route 3 westbound travelers turning left onto Orange Plank Road
• Expands motorist sight distance 
• Reduces conflict points to reduce risk of crashes and injuries

Major Milestones 

Citizen Comment Opportunity and Notice of Willingness: July 28, 2022-August 12, 2022

Design Public Hearing: September 28, 2022

Project advertised to potential bidders: Late 2022-January 2023

Construction begins: Summer 2023

Construction complete: Late Fall 2023