If you’ve lived on the Eastern Shore for any amount of time, you know Route 13 is our lifeline — and sometimes, our biggest safety concern. It connects our towns, carries visitors to our beaches, and serves as the backbone for our local economy. But it also sees its share of close calls, dangerous intersections, and heartbreaking accidents.
Now, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (A-NPDC) is taking action. They’re developing the Eastern Shore Safety Action Plan, a comprehensive effort to make our roads safer, more accessible, and more comfortable for everyone — whether you’re driving, biking, walking, or riding.
This plan is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program and aims to:
- Reduce fatal and serious injuries for all roadway users.
- Prioritize the safety of both motorists and vulnerable road users.
- Identify safety improvement projects that can be funded and implemented.
- Increase community education about safe roadway practices.
Why Your Voice Matters
The most important part of this plan? Community input.
You know where the tricky intersections are. You’ve experienced the areas where visibility is poor or where speeding is common. Your insight can directly influence which safety improvements make the list.
The A-NPDC has created an interactive map where you can drop pins, share concerns, and suggest solutions for problem areas along Route 13 and beyond. This tool allows decision-makers to see exactly where residents believe improvements are needed — and why.
➡️ Add your voice here: Interactive Safety Map
Get Involved
In addition to the map, there is a public survey and community meetings announced soon. Keep an eye out for updates so you can attend, listen, and share your vision for a safer Eastern Shore.
Improving road safety is a big challenge, but with all of us working together, we can make sure Route 13 is not only the main road through the Shore — but a road where everyone can travel confidently and safely.
Photo credit: Eastville Volunteer Fire Co.
Comments
What’s the spot on Route 13 that makes you most nervous when driving? Drop it in the comments — let’s compare notes and make sure it gets on the safety map!
Re: Intersection light
Rt 13 & Country Pl (Foodlion).
The light turns green for southbound going straight, the light turns yellow for southbound turning onto Country Pl (Food Lion).
If a vehicle is northbound turning left into bank or Small’s the vehicle Southbound turning left onto Country Pl into Food Lion shopping center can’t see the vehicles going straight northbound.
To fix problem, recommend only a green or red arrow light for turning vehicles.
All openings (breaks/cross areas) in Rt. 13’s median without turn lanes.
Recommendations:
-No left turns, right turn only to a left turn lane for a safe U turn.
-Emergency use only signs for the short breaks in the median
If only people would pull over out of the passing lane to the right lane when someone is making left turn onto highway so other vehicle could enter highway safely.
It’s the same with pulling out if turning right. If someone in the right lane with no other cars around could pull over into passing lane for a second so vehicle could pull out safely.
It’s common sense and courtesy really!
All openings (breaks/cross areas) in Rt. 13’s median without turn lanes.
Recommendations:
-No left turns, right turn only to a left turn lane for a safe U turn.
-Emergency use only signs for the short breaks in the median
Need to eliminate parking along the side of 13. Happens a lot between Young Street and Nassawaddox on 13. Also, the crossovers need to be closed if there are not turn lanes