Staunton wants your input on the West End's future. Plus, Kit Kats and road work from Santa

City of Staunton seeks input on the future of the West End

STAUNTON—Staunton is calling for feedback on improvements in the West End with a survey. A press release from the city calls residents, businesses, and property owners to use this link to the online survey. The results, along with stakeholder discussions and interviews, will inform a public meeting in January, where city officials hope to create a vision for the area's future.

“Revitalization of the West End is important for the future of the City of Staunton,” stated Mayor Stephen W. Claffey. “We want businesses and future residents to know that they are welcome in the West End and that the City is here to support them.”

The press release notes that the revitalization of West Beverley St. is one of the areas of focus. For more information on the West End planning process and previous studies, visit: http://bit.ly/WestEndStaunton.

While visions of Kit Kats danced in your head?

Without answering whether there is a Santa Claus or not, the marketing company HubScore will say that Yes, Virginia, here are the Commonwealth's five favorite stocking-stuffer candies for the holidays:

1. Kit Kat2. Skittles3. M&Ms4. Candy Canes5. Snickers

Kit Kat? Really, Virginia? At least you're not alone. According to HubScore, Kit Kat is the most popular holiday candy overall. Apparently we share our love with states including Pennsylvania, New York and California. South Carolina, Texas, Florida, West Virginia and Connecticut went old-school with candy canes as their favorite.

Washington State apparently loves reindeer corn the best. So things could be worse.

Did you ask Santa for some . . . road work?

If you did, you will not be disappointed. Here's the highway work that may impact your travels for the week of Dec. 18-22, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

INTERSTATE 64

*NEW* Mile marker 93 to 87, westbound – Overnight slow-roll traffic control for work related to replacement of Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) bridge, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday nights. Temporary closures of exit 91 on-ramp during slow rolls. Law enforcement will assist with traffic control.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 95 to 98, eastbound and westbound – Overnight right shoulder closures for installation of traffic-management equipment, 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights.

INTERSTATE 81

Mile marker 205 to 221, northbound and southbound – Shoulder closures for mowing operations, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Monday (December 18).

Mile marker 220 to 222, northbound and southbound – Work zone speed limit of 60 miles per hour. Speed limit reduction is related to replacement of Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) bridge over I-81 and construction of I-81 southbound auxiliary lane between Exit 221 and Exit 220. Overnight lane closures for bridge demolition work beginning in December 2023. Estimated project completion October 2025.

*NEW* Mile marker 221 to 224, northbound – Right shoulder closures for litter pickup operations, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 227 to 220, southbound – Overnight slow-roll traffic control 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday nights. Overnight alternating lane closures from mile marker 221 to 220, from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday nights. Traffic restrictions are for demolition work related to Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) bridge replacement.

*UDPATE* Mile marker 221 to 227, northbound and southbound – Daytime shoulder closures including along Exit 221, Exit 222 and Exit 225 on- and off-ramps for shoulder mowing and litter pickup operations, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Work is related to I-81 widening project.

Mile marker 229 to 226, southbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for maintenance to Route 612 (Laurel Hill Road) overpass bridge, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Sunday night (December 24).

PRIMARY ROADS

*UPDATE* Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) – Northbound right shoulder closures near Route 252 interchange for road widening work, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 29.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 612 (Laurel Hill Road) – Westbound right lane closures between Route 1906 (Lodge Lane) and Route 11 (Lee Highway) for pedestrian access improvements, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through February 2024.

Route 624 (South Delphine Avenue, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between South Oak Lane and Chinquapin Drive for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through May 30, 2025.

Route 635 (Barterbrook Road) – Closed between interstate frontage roads (FR-217 and FR-218) for replacement of bridge over I-81. Follow posted detour. Closure is needed to construct I-81 southbound auxiliary lane. Expected completion summer 2025.

Route 664 (Mount Torrey Road/Reeds Gap Road) – No through tractor trailers between Route 610 (Howardsville Turnpike) and the Blue Ridge Parkway due to sharp curves, limited shoulders and steep terrain. Follow alternative on Route 610 to bypass restrictions.

Route 664 (Mount Torrey Road) – Shoulder closures and occasional flagger traffic control between Route 624 (Lyndhurst Road) and Route 894 (Mount Torrey Road) for water line installation, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 31. Estimated completion summer 2024.

Route 664 (Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between Miami Avenue and Purdue Street for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through June 30, 2025.

Various roads – Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. Flagger traffic control for drainage work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton's West End survey, Virginia's favorite holiday candy, this week's roadwork