VDOT to begin aerial survey work in Stephens City area

The Virginia Department of Transportation will begin aerial survey work on Wednesday at exit 307 on Interstate 81 as part of an interchange study.

The following press release was issued today about the work:

  STAUNTON - Motorists and residents in portions of the Stephens City area of Frederick County will be seeing numerous four-foot square vinyl and painted markers near Route 277 Route 641, Route 11, Route 631 and south of Interstate 81 exit 307.   The markers are for upcoming aerial photographic surveys that are part of a study that examines the feasibility and justification for a possible relocation of exit 307.  The study will evaluate safety, traffic flow, and environmental impacts in relation to the interchange's configuration and location.   The markers will be placed flat on the ground at various key locations. People should not touch or remove the markers, which may stay on the ground for a period of time over the next four months, beginning on Feb. 15, 2012. Survey personnel will remove the vinyl targets after the aerial photographs are taken.   Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Edinburg Residency Administrator Cliff Balderson says, "No exact road footprint is identified and certainly there is no funding for any construction.  There is no imminent I-81, exit 307 relocation project."   The aerial photographs along with the other survey work will help VDOT, the Winchester/Frederick Metropolitan Planning Organization and Frederick County officials identify topography, land use and other right of way issues in the area.