Three options proposed for pilot project at East High / Meade triangle in Charlottesville

In an effort to eliminate conflicts between pedestrians and motor vehicles, the City of Charlottesville is planning a series of ambitious projects to alter existing infrastructure.

One such project is anticipated in the area of East High Street. City officials are working with staff from the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission on a pilot project to demonstrate alternate traffic patterns. They’ve launched a survey to get feedback that is open through March 7. (take the survey)

A press release was sent out on February 14.

“We’ve heard from the community about safety concerns in this corridor,” said Ben Chambers, City of Charlottesville Transportation Planning Manager. “We welcome feedback from everyone—whether they walk, bike, drive, or roll—so that we can ensure these improvements meet the needs of the community.”

There are three proposals:

• Option 1 would eliminate the traffic signal at Meade Avenue and East High Street in favor and add another one at Meade Avenue at Stewart Street. Meade Avenue would be converted to one way traffic allowing vehicles to travel south for one block to a new four-way stop. A lane on Meade would be converted to a protected bike lane.
• Option 2 would see the same shift of traffic signals, but would keep Meade Avenue open to two-way traffic. The left-hand turn from East High Street to Meade Avenue would be eliminated. There would be no all-way stop at Stewart and Meade. (corrected thanks to a reader!)
• Option 3 would also see the same shift of traffic signals, but Meade Avenue would be northbound only. There would be an all-way stop at Stewart and Meade.

This project will be implemented in the summer of 2025 as part of the Move Safely Blue Ridge initiative. That’s funded by the federal Department of Transportation as part of a nationwide program called Safe Streets For All.

There will be a meeting on the proposals on Tuesday, February 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in what will soon no longer be known as Burnley-Moran Elementary School.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Option 3:

Before you go: This post and all of the others are intended to increase awareness about the role local government plays in American democracy, especially in and around Charlottesville. This was originally sent out in the February 17, 2025 edition of the Charlottesville Community Engagement newsletter. If you would like to support the work, you can buy a paid subscription or support through Patreon.