Virginia State Police Driver Training Facility

A New Driver Training Complex for Virginia State Police

Blackstone, Virginia

Our design of the new training building combines brick, precast architectural block, and glass curtainwall— reflecting the modern training approach of the Virginia State Police.

New training tracks feature a variety of road configurations: a cloverleaf ramp, city intersections, interstate acceleration lanes, a roundabout, railroad tracks, 25,000-square-foot skidpan, cul-de-sacs, and 342,000-SF precision-driving course.

Previously, the Virginia State Police had to use old airport runways or rent facilities in Maryland to train their officers. Now, approximately 3,000 cadets will use the new facility for training each year.

The facility enables the police to combine behind-the-wheel training with simulations and classroom instruction at one site. A driver simulation room with 550 LE™ Interactive Driving Simulation Systems models the cockpit of a police cruiser.

The training building includes 60 squad rooms that accommodate up to 120 cadets, theater-style classrooms, a cafeteria, offices, and meeting space.

The training building was also designed to serve as an alternate emergency operations center for the State Police.

In addition to architecture, we also provided interior design and mechanical/electrical, structural, civil, and environmental engineering.

52,000

square-foot training and dormitory building

Virginia State Police troopers are now benefiting from advanced driver training in a state-of-the-art complex set on 680 acres near Fort Pickett. Our design of the $27.4-million facility includes 4.5 miles of urban, rural, and interstate roadway courses; a three-story, 52,000-square-foot training and dormitory building; an observation tower; a vehicle maintenance garage; and a firing range. The new facility and courses simulate Virginia topography and infrastructure - from urban highways to rural roadways - and allow for training in a variety of road conditions.

Owner/Client

Virginia State Police

Acreage

680 acres

Services

Architecture
Engineering

Markets

Community Facilities

Regions

Mid-Atlantic