Under Construction

Pardon Our Dust Meetings: May 2013

There are two opportunities to learn about the upcoming construction project to widen and improve Route 17 in Stafford County. 

The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold "Pardon Our Dust" meetings on the following times and dates:

Tuesday, May 21

"Pardon Our Dust" Business Briefing

8 a.m. 

University of Mary Washington-Stafford Campus

121 University Boulevard

Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Representatives from businesses in the Route 17 corridor are encouraged to attend this breakfast briefing to learn about the planned improvements, the construction schedule, and daily traffic impacts during construction. VDOT and contractor staff will be available to answer questions and address concerns. 

Thursday, May 23

"Pardon Our Dust" Citizen Information Meeting

5-7 p.m. 

Presentation at 6 p.m. 

University of Mary Washington-Stafford Campus

121 University Boulevard

Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Stop by this open house anytime between 5-7 p.m.to learn about the planned improvements, construction schedule, and daily traffic impacts during construction. VDOT and contractor staff will be available to answer questions and address concerns. 

A short presentation on the project will be delivered at 6 p.m. 

Project Overview

Route 17 in Stafford County will be widened from four to six lanes west of Interstate 95 from McLane Drive to 0.2 miles north of Stafford Lakes Parkway. 

The project is fully funded. Construction work will begin in June 2013, and will continue through December 1, 2016.

Project Details

This 2-mile widening project will create 3 through travel lanes in each direction of Route 17, plus add a continuous right turn lane and dual left turn lanes when needed. 

This project will improve traffic flow and navigation for local traffic visiting businesses and residential areas along the corridor, as well as through traffic. 

The project includes construction of a sidewalk, and curb and gutter. 

The project includes 8 intersections with traffic signals, which will all receive traffic signal upgrades:

1) McLane Drive

2) Falls Run Drive/VDOT Park & Ride Commuter Lot

3) Plantation Drive/Commerce Drive

4) Litchfield Boulevard/McWhirt Loop

5) Banks Ford Drive

6) Celebrate Virginia Parkway/International Drive

7) Banks Ford Parkway/Berea Church Road

8) Stafford Lakes Parkway

• The crossover at Powell Lane will be closed. 
• Fleet Road will be closed between Route 17 and Berea Church Road. 
• Berea Church Road will be realigned to improve horizontal and vertical alignment. 

Route 17 in this segment carries an average of 55,500 vehicles a day. Trucks represent 17 percent of the number of vehicles. 

Public Hearing

A design public hearing on the project was held on July 13, 2010.

Please click here to view the brochure from the public hearing.