Charlottesville officials are considering redesigning one of the city’s busiest — and most dangerous — intersections, and they want the community’s input.
On Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center, community members can learn more about possible changes to the intersection of West Main St., Ridge St. and McIntire Rd., and let city and state transportation officials know what they think about the options.
This is the second community meeting the Virginia Department of Transportation and the City of Charlottesville have co-hosted about the possible intersection redesign; a previous one was held in August 2025.
During this meeting, officials will share what a community survey, conducted over the summer, revealed about proposed intersection designs. There could be a lot to discuss — 604 people responded to the survey, Alexis Mehretab, communications manager for VDOT’s Culpeper District, told Charlottesville Tomorrow.
Community members will have the chance to share their opinions during Thursday’s meeting. Anyone who is unable to attend can send written comments to VDOT via mail or email, but must do so by Feb. 5.
After conducting a study of the intersection in 2025 as part of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions program, VDOT recommended redesigning the intersection to make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
The project website points out that in its current design, the intersection “is known for its confusing layout, making it challenging for users of all modes to navigate.”
Potential changes to the intersection discussed during the meeting are not guaranteed to be put in place. It will be up to the city to pursue funding and complete the project.
Take action
Provide your input about changes to the Ridge/McIntire/West Main intersection in Charlottesville
The Virginia Department of Transportation and the City of Charlottesville are co-hosting a community forum on Thurs., Jan. 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center, located in the Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th St. NW, Charlottesville.
Unable to attend the meeting? Submit written comments via mail to VDOT by Feb. 5. Send your comments to:
Sandy Shackelford, Senior Planning Specialist
Virginia Department of Transportation
701 VDOT Way
Charlottesville, VA 22911
You can also submit comments via email to sandy.shackelford [at] vdot [dot] virginia [dot] gov, and reference “Ridge Street at W. Main Street Intersection” in the subject line.
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