SHRP2 Interstate 64 Corridor Study

64The SHRP2 Interstate 64 Corridor Study is a collaborative effort between the Charlottesville Albemarle MPO and the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro MPO. The project focuses on the 40 mile Interstate 64 corridor between Charlottesville and Staunton.

The project is made possible by funding provided by FHWA SHRP2 Implementation Assistance Program. The corridor study focuses on using the PlanWorks Decision Guide to inform the corridor study process and increase cooperation and collaboration between agencies and localities

 Project Fact Sheet

Why do the study?

The Interstate 64 corridor between Charlottesville and Staunton was constructed in the 1960’s and has been incrementally upgraded over the intervening years. However, the roadway still remains primarily a four lane rural interstate. As the regions at either end of the study area have grown so has the demands on the roadway. Demographic and social trends have resulted in a significant number of commuting trips utilizing the corridor as people make their way from home to work. This demand mixed with increasing freight and through traffic demands have resulted in a number of high profile traffic incidents and road closures. Furthermore, the corridor passes through three VDOT construction districts and four regional transportation planning districts (two MPOs and two Rural Areas). This structure has resulted in a number of parities having interests in the corridor but infrequently working together to look at the corridor holistically.

With this landscape in mind the TJPDC and the CSPDC saw an opportunity to begin to increase cooperation between the regions. Initial ground work was laid in 2015 when the MPOs came together for a first of its kind in Virginia joint MPO Policy Board meeting. At the meeting the seed was planned to formalize cooperation and look for way to improve regionally beneficial planning. In 2015 TJPDC submitted an initial application the FHWA’s SHRP2 Implementation assistance program and was awarded a grant for $100,000 to implement SHRP2 corridor planning PlanWorks components.

Who is involved?

ca-mpo saw-mpo

The study is being guided by the Policy Boards of the Charlottesville Albemarle MPO and the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro MPO who will be meeting jointly three times during the study. Information about joint meeting dates and scheduled is available at the CA-MPO or SAW-MPO Policy board web pages. The Policy boards and MPO staff are being supported by a working group whose membership includes representatives from VDOT construction districts, MPOs, local government staff, and experts from state and federal transportation agencies.

What will the study do?

  • Bring together stakeholders with an interest in transportation planning and the I64 corridor
  • Provide opportunity to gain insight from corridor users (commuters, and the public)
  • Review existing data on transportation within the corridor
  • Identify problem areas and deficiencies within the corridor
  • Develop recommendations for addressing these deficiencies
  • Provide a roadmap for continued inter-jurisdictional cooperation
  • Provide lessons learned and case study information

Public Meetings

Date

Topic

December 12, 2016 
Existing Conditions and User Concerns
September 27, 2017 Joint MPO Meeting
Approval of  the corridor cooperative MOU

Working Group

The working group consists of fifteen members representing various jurisdictions, agencies and regional entities with an interest in the corridor. The working group provides the technical knowledge and guidance. The working group meeting topics and scheduled are included in the table below.

Corridor Planning Steps (PlanWorks)

Meeting Topics

November 18, 2016
Review and approve scope. Discuss problem statement and review basic performance measures

Project goals and process
January 31, 2017
Review and approve scope. Discuss problem statement and review basic performance measures

Public safety:

  • Disaster evacuation
  • Accident response
  • Detours and road closers
  • Traffic enforcement
March 30, 2017
Evaluation criteria

Economic Development and accessibility:

  • Land use and development
  • Jobs and employment
  • Transit
May 31, 2017
Identify Hotspots

Environment:

  • Wildlife conflicts
  • Habitat barriers
  • Transportation and park management needs
July, 2017
Review identified problem areas and corridor issues

Congestion and Traffic:

  • Current and future demands
  • Corridor usage
  • Freight and rail
September, 2017
Discuss hotspots/problem areas and prioritize
future studies and projects

Lessons learned:

  • Review of what worked
  • Discussion on interagency
  • MOUs

Project Resources

The Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO’s 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan looks ahead three decades to assess future transportation projects vital for our region. The plan considers all modes of transportation including highways, roads, bus, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and air. This planning process updates the 2035 United Jefferson Area Mobility Plan (UnJAM 2035), which was approved by the MPO Policy Board in May 2009.

 Visit CA-MPO LRTP Document Page

The SAW-MPO LRTP is a comprehensive examination of the future transportation needs within the MPO boundaries. The LRTP presents recommendations for enhanced transportation efficiency and functionality, including the construction of new facilities, improved connectivity to multiple travel modes and the enhancement of existing highway, transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

 Visit CA-MPO LRTP Document Page