From Congestion to Coordination: Delivering Flawless Traffic Flow
Description
FloydFest is embarking on an exciting new chapter by relocating to a new site in Floyd County, VA, for its annual 4-day music festival. Gorove Slade was entrusted with developing and implementing a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure smooth operations for an event that attracts between 10,000 to 15,000 spectators.
Special events like FloydFest create unique transportation challenges that require expert planning and execution:
- Rapid influx of vehicles within short timeframes
- Need to maintain regular traffic flow on U.S. 221
- The festival draws attendees from out-of-state, who are often unfamiliar with the surrounding roadways
- Complex coordination between multiple stakeholders
- Balancing festival operations with public safety requirements
Seeking to create an optimal transportation experience for festival goers, Gorove Slade’s team developed a detailed traffic control plan specifically tailored to the new location. Our methodology included:
- Strategic placement of entry and exit points to minimize congestion
- Evaluation of the entry road to maximize vehicle queueing distance on the property
- Close coordination with local authorities including VDOT
- Clear signage and wayfinding systems for attendees
The effectiveness of our plan was so complete that U.S. 221 maintained normal traffic operations during the entire festival, which was a priority for VDOT.
The success of FloydFest 2024 demonstrates why professional traffic management planning is essential for special events. When thousands of vehicles converge on a single location in a compressed timeframe, the potential for gridlock, safety hazards, and negative community impact is significant.
Effective traffic control plans like the one Gorove Slade implemented for FloydFest provide enhanced public safety for attendees and the surrounding community, minimal disruption to local traffic patterns, and improved attendee experience through reduced wait times and frustration. Our comprehensive approach ensures operational efficiency for event organizers while fostering positive relationships with regulatory authorities and local stakeholders.
Gorove Slade is proud to have contributed to the success of FloydFest as this celebrated music event grows in its new home.
Photos courtesy of FloydFest
Details
- Client: Across-the-Way Productions, Inc.
- Location: Check, VA
- Project Size: 210-acre site
- Services: Design, Operations
“As a huge testament to our collective planning and preparation, the traffic control plan operated extremely well. VDOT was onsite Wednesday and Thursday, and they were very pleased with how the influx of our guests had “zero impact” on traffic flow on U.S. 221. In fact, we rarely needed to place police officers in the roadway and only needed one exit open on Sunday and Monday. The plan could not have gone any better – thank you greatly for being our planning partner.”
Relevant Services
Design
Operations
Relevant Team Members
Carl Hultgren, PE, PTOE
Principal
Rob Papera
Associate, Project Manager