Charlottesville officials are considering changes to a popular — and dangerous — intersection in town where pedestrians have mere seconds to cross the street.
On Thursday, Aug. 14, community members can learn more about those possible changes to the Ridge/McIntire and West Main St. intersection in downtown Charlottesville, and give feedback on it.
The meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Carver Recreation Center, located in the Jefferson School City Center at 233 4th St. NW in Charlottesville — not far from the intersection in question.
The meeting is part of an ongoing STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study that the Virginia Department of Transportation is conducting in partnership with the City of Charlottesville.
So far, the study recommends redesigning the intersection to, among other things, make it safer for pedestrians and vehicles, according to an Aug. 7 VDOT news release.
It’s also taking a look at nearby intersections, including Ridge/McIntire at Preston Ave. and Old Preston Ave.; Monticello Ave. and Ridge St.; and 5th St. SW at Elliot Ave. and Cherry Ave.
The results of the STARS study will lead to recommendations for how the intersection can be improved from both an operational and safety standpoint, for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Because the City of Charlottesville manages and maintains its own roads, it will be up to the city to decide what to do with the information gleaned from the study — and to find the funding for any changes it wants to make.
Anyone who drives, walks, or bikes through these intersections knows that they can be chaotic, especially during rush hour. The project website even points out that the Ridge/McIntire and West Main intersection in particular “is known for its confusing layout, making it challenging for users of all modes to navigate.”
Between Nov. 2019 and Oct. 2024, there were 171 total crashes at the intersections included in the study area, according to VDOT’s existing conditions report from April 25, 2025. Of those, 10 involved pedestrians and 5 involved bicycles. None of the crashes were fatal, but in general, the crash rates for these intersections were higher than the statewide average, the current conditions report shows.
That report also showed that levels of pedestrian comfort differ drastically among the different intersections in the study area. Both the one at Ridge/McIntire and Preston Ave., and the one at Ridge/McIntire at West Main St. and W. Water St., are considered “undesirable.” But pedestrian comfort at the W. Main St. and 4th St. NW — just a few yards away— is considered “very comfortable” for pedestrians.
Take action
Tell officials what changes you’d like to see in downtown intersections
A public meeting about the Ridge/McIntire and West Main St. intersection is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 at the Carver Recreation Center, located in the Jefferson School City Center at 233 4th St. NW in Charlottesville
After the meeting, VDOT will post an online survey to the project page website. The survey will be open from Aug. 14 to Aug. 28
Oral and written comments can be sent via email to sandy [DOT] shackelford [AT] vdot [DOT] virginia [DOT] gov, with “Ridge Street at W. Main Street Intersection” as the subject line.
Comments can also be sent via mail to Shackelford at 701 VDOT Way, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
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