VDOT seeking input on two pipeline studies on the U.S. 29 corridor

There are many steps required to a transportation project from an idea to something people can use. A crucial one is the community engagement process when members of the public have the chance to make suggestions.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is at that point now for two “pipeline” studies in the Culpeper District. One is U.S. 29 between Teel Lane and the Fontaine Avenue interchange and the other is 5th Street between Pinehurst Court in Albemarle County and Harris Road in Charlottesville.

“Project Pipeline is a performance-based planning program to identify cost-effective solutions to multimodal transportation needs in Virginia,” reads an information release sent out by VDOT on November 7.

The first study is generally in the area around Interstate 64’s interchange with U.S. 29. A proposal was submitted for Smart Scale funding in 2015 to rebuild the entire interchange but the project ranked near the bottom that year. A smaller project to add a stop light was funded in a subsequent round.

The survey provides an opportunity to go through potential alternatives and you can find out more details there.

• Alternative 1: Implement Wide Median U-Turn
• Alternative 2: Shift the I-64 East On-Ramp and Signal
• Alternative 3: Reintroduce the U.S. 29 South to I-64 East Ramp

This study is open through November 21.

The second study in this area covers Interstate 64’s interchange with 5th Street. A project to convert the interchange to a diverging diamond (DDI) was not successful in a prior Smart Scale round. That project also would have given a place for people to walk and bike.

“This new Project Pipeline study is re-evaluating the corridor, particularly the shared-use path, to develop more cost-effective solutions in conjunction with the DDI,” reads the survey page for this pipeline study. “The goal is to create a more competitive application for SMART SCALE funding.”

This study seeks feedback on what pedestrian and bike connections should be made a priority if the project comes back. Learn more here and this study is also open through November 21.

Before you go: Paid subscribers cover the cost of conducting research for this article which was originally published in the November 10, 2025 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement.  You can either subscribe through Substack, make a monthly contribution through Patreon, or consider becoming a sponsor. The goal of Town Crier Productions is to increase awareness about what is  happening at the local, regional, state, and federal government levels. Please share the work with others if you want people to know things.