Recently Completed: Warren County – Route 624 (Happy Creek Road)

The Route 624 (Happy Creek Road) project provided safety improvements from the Town of Front Royal Eastern Corporate limits to Route 645 (Manassas Run Road). Route 624 was a two-lane road with 10-foot wide travel lanes. Work includes widening the lanes to 11 feet, reducing fixed object hazards, increasing intersection capacity and improving drainage.

On a portion of Route 624 was a wooded area with a curve, which limited drivers’ sight views. This area was cleared and the curve reduced to improve visibility.

In the middle of the project is an at-grade crossing for the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Trains at this crossing serve the Virginia Inland port which is located north of Front Royal. Route 624 had a curve at the crossing, which was reduced with a slight roadway realignment. Reflective signs and chevrons have been posted to help drivers see the road particularly during night and low light conditions.

Turn lanes were constructed on Route 624 at Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road). 

In 2016 Route 624 had an average daily traffic count of 4100 vehicles per day. By the design year of 2043 the estimated average daily traffic volume is 5800 vehicles per day. The total estimated cost for this project is $5.8 million, including $1.3 million for preliminary engineering, $900,000 for right of way and $3.6 million for construction.

Benefits 

This project improved safety on Route 624 by reducing fixed object hazards, increasing intersection capacity and improving drainage.