Dates	Number of Participants (unique individuals)
May 12-June 7, 2025	579

 

The following needs have been identified for this study. Do you agree with these needs?
Safety	80%
Congestion mitigation	68%
Pedestrian safety	46%
Bicycle access	42%
Pedestrian access	39%
Transportation demand management (TDM)	32%
Transit access	24%

 

Rank the following needs in order of importance to you along the study area.
Reducing traffic congestion	85%
Corridor safety / intersection safety	80%
Speeding / aggressive driving	75%
Proper pavement marking and signage	74%
Pedestrian safety and accessibility	73%
Bicycle safety and accessibility	71%
Public transit access and service	67%

 

Which of the following safety issues concern you?
Speeding / aggressive driving	58%
Lack of sidewalks / missing sidewalks	46%
Inadequate lighting	39%
Inadequate pavement marking and signage	37%
Sudden stopping / rear-end crashes	35%
Insufficient / missing crosswalks and pedestrian signal timing	32%
Inadequate bicycle facilities	32%
Running red lights	27%
Difficulty weaving / merging	25%
Side-impact crashes	16%
Inadequate transit / bus stops	15%
Lack of ADA ramps and accessibility	11%
Other	7%
Closely spaced driveways	6%

 

What mobility issues do you typically experience when using the study area?
Lack of turn lanes	37%
Poor signal coordination	50%
Difficulty making left turns	26%
Difficulty when riding a bicycle	7%
Difficulty when walking	10%
Difficulty accessing businesses	13%
Vehicles blocking entrances	27%
Other	20%

 

What mode(s) of travel do you use when traveling along the study area?
Personal vehicle	98%
Cycling	12%
Walking	7%
Truck or commercial vehicle	7%
Taxi / Uber / Lyft	4%
Other	1%
Carpool / Vanpool	1%
Metro bus, local bus, or commuter bus	1%

 

RI-25-02 Phase 1 Executive Summary - PDF, 2.1MB

The Phase 2 survey regarding proposed alternatives for the Route 627 (Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road) corridor between Azalea Avenue and I-295 in Hanover County and Henrico County was completed in December 2025.

Dates	Number of Participants (unique individuals)
November 13-December 1, 2025	184

 

Azalea Avenue at Wilkinson Road 

The intersection of Azalea Avenue at Wilkinson Road has safety and congestion needs. Queuing issues are present on both the eastbound and westbound approaches to the intersection due to the proximity of adjacent roadways. This intersection experienced 23 total crashes over a five-year period (2020-2024). Angle crashes (65 percent) were the most common crash type, followed by rear-end crashes (17 percent) and sideswipe-same direction collisions (9 percent). There was one pedestrian-related collision. 

Conventional improvements are proposed for this intersection. These changes will improve safety by reducing the number of conflict points and the severity of collisions, particularly by mitigating left-turn angle crash risk. These changes may also alleviate congestion through improved traffic flow, optimized signal timing, and reduced queuing as a result of turn lane additions, turn lane extensions, and access management. 

Conventional improvements include: 

• Extending the eastbound left-turn lane at Wilkinson Road, removing the U-turn restriction there, and converting Thrush Lane at Azalea Avenue to a right-in/right-out intersection (closing the median, thereby prohibiting left turns to and from Thrush Lane). 
• Optimizing signal timings. 

Please rate the improvements for the Azalea Avenue at Wilkinson Road Intersection on a scale of 1 to 5 using the slider. (1 being least preferred, 5 being most preferred) (146 respondents)

• Rating Score = 3.45

Route 627 at Azalea Avenue 

The intersection of Route 627 at Azalea Avenue has safety and congestion needs. In the eastbound direction, the left and right-turn lane queues spill over into the through lanes, and through lane queues spill back beyond the Wilkinson Road intersection during the PM peak hour. In the westbound direction, the left-turn lane queue spills over into the through lanes, and the through lane queues extend back to Raptor Way during the PM peak hour. 

This intersection experienced 38 total crashes over a five-year period (2020-2024). Angle crashes (45 percent) are the most common crash type at the intersection, followed by rear-end crashes (21 percent) and sideswipe-same direction collisions (13 percent). There were no pedestrian collisions. However, the five-year crash history (2020-2024) does not fully reflect current conditions because the intersection was reconstructed in 2023. 

Conventional improvements are proposed for this intersection. These changes are intended to improve safety by reducing the number of conflict points. These changes may also alleviate congestion through improved traffic flow, optimized signal timing, and reduced queue lengths as a result of turn lane additions, turn lane extensions, and access management. 

Conventional improvements include: 

• Extending the westbound left-turn lane along Azalea Avenue.  
• Installing turn path markings for eastbound dual left-turn lanes. 
• Optimizing signal timings. 

Please rate the improvements for the Route 627 at Azalea Avenue Intersection on a scale of 1 to 5 using the slider. (1 being least preferred, 5 being most preferred) (113 respondents)

• Rating Score = 3.55

Route 627 at Route 638 (Atlee Road) 

The intersection of Route 627 at Atlee Road has safety needs. No notable queueing problems were observed at this intersection. 

This intersection experienced 34 total crashes over a five-year period (2020-2024). Rear-end crashes (47 percent) were the most common crash type at the intersection, followed by angle crashes (35 percent) and sideswipe-same direction collisions (9 percent). There was one pedestrian-related collision. 

Four alternatives are proposed at this intersection: 

1. Conventional Improvements – Option 1 
2. Conventional Improvements – Option 2 
3. Hybrid Roundabout 
4. Spiral Roundabout 

The conventional improvement options are similar but are distinguished by different cross-section recommendations along Route 627. 

OPTION 1: Conventional improvements include: 

• Installing a raised median along Route 627 from Atlee Road to just west of Pleasant Grove Road, changing the cross-section from four lanes with a two-way left-turn lane to four lanes divided with widening toward the south side of Route 627. Multiple access driveways along this section of Route 627, including the Valero access near Atlee Road, are converted to right-in/right-out as a result. 
• Widening the northbound and southbound receiving lanes to a minimum of 12 feet. 
• Installing turn path markings for northbound and southbound left turn lanes. 
• Optimizing signal timings. 
• Closing the “More than Greek” restaurant access along Route 627 and relocating their access along Atlee Road further to the south. 
• Pedestrian Improvements 
  • Installing high-visibility crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps, and pedestrian push-button signals across the north and west legs of the intersection. 
  • Installing a shared-use path along the south side of Route 627 to the west of Atlee Road; adding crosswalks and ADA curb ramps at access points the shared-use path crosses. 
  • Installing a shared-use path along the north side of Route 627 to the east of Atlee Road; adding crosswalks and ADA curb ramps at access points the shared-use path crosses. 

OPTION 2: Conventional improvements include: 

• Modifying the Route 627 cross-section from Industrial Park Road to just west of Pleasant Grove Road. 
  • Industrial Park Road to Atlee Road will change from a two-lane undivided cross-section (primarily) to a four-lane cross-section with a two-way left-turn lane. 
  • Atlee Road to just west of Pleasant Grove Road will change from a four-lane cross-section with a two-way left-turn lane to a four-lane divided cross-section with a raised median and widening toward the south side of Route 627. Multiple access driveways along this section of Route 627, including the Valero access near Atlee Road, are converted to right-in/right-out as a result. 
• Widening the northbound and southbound receiving lanes to a minimum of 12 feet. 
• Installing turn path markings for northbound and southbound left turn lanes. 
• Optimizing signal timings. 
• Closing the “More than Greek” restaurant access along Route 627 and relocating their access along Atlee Road further to the south. 
• Pedestrian Improvements  
  • Installing high-visibility crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, and pedestrian push-button signals across the north and west legs of the intersection. 
  • Installing a shared-use path along the south side of Route 627 to the west of Atlee Road; adding crosswalks and ADA curb ramps at access points the shared-use path crosses. 
  • Installing a shared-use path along the north side of Route 627 to the east of Atlee Road; adding crosswalks and ADA curb ramps at access points the shared-use path crosses.

These changes are intended to improve safety by reducing conflict points, adding pedestrian improvements, widening receiving lanes, and updating pavement markings. These changes may also alleviate congestion through improved traffic flow and access management. 

OPTION 3: Hybrid Roundabout includes: 

• Replacing the existing signalized intersection with a hybrid roundabout. 
• Installing high-visibility crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, and a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

These changes are intended to improve safety by reducing the number of conflict points and the severity of collisions, particularly by mitigating left-turn crash risk. These changes may also alleviate congestion through improved traffic flow and access management. 

OPTION 4: Spiral Roundabout includes: 

• Replacing the existing signalized intersection with a spiral roundabout; key features include physical lane separation and overhead signs to help guide drivers and reduce conflicts within the roundabout. 
• Installing high-visibility crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, and a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

These changes are intended to improve safety by reducing the number of conflict points and the severity of collisions, particularly by mitigating left-turn crash risk. These changes may also alleviate congestion through improved traffic flow and access management. 

Please rank the improvement options for the Route 627 at Atlee Road Intersection. Respondents dragged and dropped the options into the priority box with their most preferred improvement option listed at the top and their least preferred improvement option listed at the bottom. (100 respondents) 

Option	Average Rank
OPTION 2: Conventional Improvements	2.00 (Top Ranked Improvement Option)
OPTION 4: Spiral Roundabout	2.10
OPTION 3: Hybrid Roundabout	2.17
OPTION 1: Conventional Improvements	2.46

 

Route 627 at Bon Secours Medical Center Access 

The intersection of Route 627 at the Bon Secours Regional Medical Center access has safety needs. No notable queueing problems have been observed at this intersection. 

This intersection experienced 13 total crashes over a five-year period (2020-2024). Angle crashes (62 percent) were the most common crash type at the intersection, followed by rear-end crashes (15 percent), and fixed object-off road collisions (15 percent). There were no pedestrian collisions. 

Conventional improvements are proposed at this intersection. These modifications are expected to enhance safety by decreasing the number of conflict points and the severity of collisions, with a particular focus on mitigating angle crash risk along the minor approaches. 

Conventional improvements include: 

• Converting the two-way left-turn lane cross-section to a divided raised median from Atlee Road to just west of Pleasant Grove Road with widening toward the south side of Route 627.  
• Providing turn path markings for the southbound dual left-turn lanes exiting Bon Secours Medical Center. 
• Installing No Turn on Red signage along the northbound and southbound minor intersection approaches. 
• Pedestrian Improvements 
  • Installing high-visibility crosswalk, ADA curb ramps, and a pedestrian signal to cross the west leg of the intersection.  
  • Constructing a shared-use path along the north side of Route 627 to the west of the Bon Secours Medical Center access; adding crosswalks and ADA curb ramps at access points the shared-use path crosses. 
  • Constructing sidewalks connecting the intersection to Bon Secours Medical Center and Harmony at Hanover. 
• Installing a directional median opening at the unsignalized Bon Secours West access driveway to prohibit left turns from exiting the three access driveways at that location (Meadowbridge Medical Center, Dominion Medical Park, and LeafSpring School), converting those minor road approaches to right turn only.  
• Connecting the Meadowbridge Medical Center and Dominion Medical Park parking lots to allow the Meadowbridge Medical Center to remain accessible to westbound traffic on Route 627.

Please rate the improvements for the Route 627 at Bon Secours Medical Center Access on a scale of 1 to 5 using the slider. (1 being least preferred, 5 being most preferred) (93 respondents)

• Rating Score = 3.35

Route 627 at Route 640 (Shady Grove Road) 

The intersection of Route 627 at Shady Grove Road has safety and congestion needs. In the southbound direction, the left-turn lane queues spill over into the through lanes. Westbound through lane queues extend to the bridge, blocking the southbound I-295 off-ramp. As a result, the ramp frequently experiences backups that extend onto the interstate. 

This intersection experienced 26 total crashes over a five-year period (2020-2024). Angle crashes (54 percent) were the most common crash type at the intersection, followed by rear-end crashes (31 percent). There were no pedestrian collisions. 

Conventional improvements are proposed at this intersection. Conventional improvements include: 

• Extending the existing southbound left-turn lane along Shady Grove Road. 
• Restriping the southbound lanes along Shady Grove Road for two left-turn lanes and one shared through/right-turn lane. This includes removing the painted right-turn channelization. 
• Providing turn path markings for the new dual southbound left-turn lanes. 
• Extending the westbound and eastbound left-turn lanes along Route 627. 
• Constructing a westbound right-turn lane along Route 627. 
• Closing the median at Pleasant Grove Road/Shady Grove United Methodist Church access, converting to a right-in/right-out intersection; thereby prohibiting all left turns. 
• Replacing the existing shared through/left-turn lane at the Shady Grove United Methodist Church access with a painted or raised median, keeping the existing right turn only lane in place. 
• Constructing a westbound U-turn lane and loon (provides extra pavement on the south side of Route 627 for oversized vehicles to make the U-turn) along Route 627 at the grass median where the cross-section currently changes from divided to a two-way left-turn lane, about 600' west of the Pleasant Grove Road intersection.

These changes are intended to alleviate congestion by improving traffic flow, optimizing signal timing, and reducing queue lengths as a result of turn lane additions, turn lane extensions, and access management. 

Please rate the improvements for the Route 627 at Shady Grove Road Intersection on a scale of 1 to 5 using the slider. (1 being least preferred, 5 being most preferred) (90 respondents)

• Rating Score = 3.5

Route 627 at I-295 Interchange 

The intersection of Route 627 at the I-295 interchange has congestion needs. In the southbound direction, stop-controlled movements from the I-295 off-ramp are unable to proceed due to queue backups from westbound traffic stopped at the Shady Grove Road signal. As a result, the off-ramp frequently experiences backups that extend onto the interstate. This intersection experienced eight total crashes over a five-year period (2020-2024). 

Two alternatives are proposed for this intersection: 

1. Continuous Green-T 
2. Partial Tear-Drop Roundabout 

OPTION 1: Signalized Continuous Green-T Improvements include: 

• Removing the southbound I-295 to eastbound Route 627 loop ramp and rerouting that traffic to use the existing southbound I-295 to westbound Route 627 off-ramp. 
• Extending the acceleration lane onto I-295 southbound from the Route 627 westbound loop ramp. 
• Constructing an additional lane along the southbound I-295 off-ramp that becomes a right-turn lane at the ramp terminal. 
• Converting the I-295 southbound off-ramp terminal to a signalized Continuous Green-T intersection which involves: 
  • Constructing a left-turn median acceleration lane for southbound left turns which allows those lefts to proceed simultaneously with eastbound Route 627 through traffic which remains free flowing. 
  • Coordinating the new traffic signal for westbound Route 627 traffic with the existing signal at Shady Grove Road.

These changes are intended to alleviate congestion by adding a signalized Continuous Green-T at this intersection, improving traffic flow, optimizing signal timing, and reducing queue lengths as a result of turn lane additions. In addition, safety and traffic flow along I-295 southbound should improve with the removal of the weaving section between the loop ramps. 

OPTION 2: Partial Tear-Drop Roundabout Improvements include: 

• Removing the westbound Route 627 to southbound I-295 loop ramp and rerouting that traffic to use the existing eastbound Route 627 to southbound I-295 on-ramp via the new roundabout. 
• Relocating the existing southbound I-295 off-ramp and terminal further to the east. 
• Converting the I-295 southbound ramp terminal to a partial teardrop roundabout.

These changes are intended to reduce conflict points and allow for continuous traffic flow at this intersection by removing the loop ramp and installing a partial teardrop roundabout at the intersection. 

Please rank the improvement options for the Route 627 at I-295 Interchange. Respondents dragged and dropped the options into the priority box with their most preferred improvement option listed at the top and their least preferred improvement option listed at the bottom. (84 respondents)

Option	Average Rank
OPTION 1: Signalized Continuous Green-T Improvements	1.33 (Top Ranked Improvement Option)
OPTION 2: Partial Tear-Drop Roundabout Improvements	1.39

 

Route 627 (Richmond-Henrico Turnpike/Meadowbridge Road): Railroad Crossing to Industrial Park Road 

Route 627 from the railroad crossing to Industrial Park Road has safety needs. Thirteen total crashes occurred along this segment over a five-year period (2020-2024). Ten of the 13 crashes were fixed object-off road and three crashes involved a deer or another animal. Forty-six percent of the crashes occurred at night, and forty-six percent were guardrail related. The segment is relatively straight with no horizontal curves. Four conventional improvement alternatives are proposed along this segment. 

OPTION 1: Pavement Marking Improvements include: 

• Installing two-direction no-passing zone markings (double solid yellow centerline). 
• Installing wider edge line pavement markings. 
• Removing selective trees. 
• Installing retroreflective signpost strips on existing signs. 
• Installing retroreflective delineators on existing guardrails. 

OPTION 2: Rumble Strip Improvements include: 

• Installing two-foot paved shoulders. 
• Installing shoulder rumble strips. 
• Installing center line rumble strip. 
• Installing plastic inlaid pavement markers. 

OPTION 3: Guardrail Improvements include: 

• Installing roadway lighting. 
• Offsetting existing northbound bridge approach guardrail further from the travel way. 
• Installing bridge approach guardrail along southbound Route 627 at all three bridges and along northbound Route 627 at the bridge over the Chickahominy River. 

OPTION 4: Roadway Widening Improvements include: 

• Constructing a new four lane divided roadway with a shared-use path. 
• Constructing new bridges. 

These changes improve safety by adding countermeasures to the roadway segment that are intended to aid in the reduction of crashes throughout the corridor. 

Please rank the improvement options for the Route 627 Railroad Crossing to Industrial Park. Respondents dragged and dropped the options into the priority box with their most preferred improvement option listed at the top and their least preferred improvement option listed at the bottom. (82 respondents) 

Option	Average Rank
OPTION 4: Roadway Widening Improvements	1.94 (Top Ranked Improvement Option)
OPTION 2: Rumble Strip Improvements	2.26
OPTION 3: Guardrail Improvements	2.55
OPTION 1: Pavement Marking Improvements	2.61