TC 07-27-09 Meeting MinutesTO:
FROM:
RE:
DATE:
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/665-5651
MEMORANDUM FAX: 540/665-6395
Board of Supervisors
John A. Bishop, AICP, Deputy Director - Transportation _ae
Transportation Committee Report for Meeting of July 27, 2009
August 4, 2009
The Transportation Committee met on July 27, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
Members Present
Chuck DeHaven (voting)
Phil Lemieux (voting)
Dave Burleson (voting)
James Racey (voting)
George Kriz (liaison PC)
Gary Oates (liaison PC)
Lewis Boyer (liaison Stephens City)
Members Absent
Mark Davis (liaison Middletown)
***Items Requiring Action***
1. TIGER Grant Applications
Staff is working to prepare grant applications for the Department of Transportation TIGER
Grants. These are discretionary funds which will be awarded competitively on a nationwide
basis. Grants are considered for amounts from $20-300 Million. There are also waivers
available for smaller projects.
Staff is preparing applications for the following projects:
Route 37 from Exit 310 to Route 522
Phase I of the I-81 and Route 37 Interchange
Supplemental funding for the Russell 150 Road Improvements
On a motion by Mr. Lemieux and seconded by Mr. Racey, the Committee recommended
that the County make application for the projects listed above. Motion passed
unanimously.
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
2. Revenue Sharing Application
Staff recommended the following for the current application cycle:
Russell 150 - $700,000 ($1.4 M with match)
Route 11 North between Route 37 and I-81 - $250,000 ($500,000 with match)
Intersection of Route 11 South and Opequon Church - $50,000 ($100,000 with match)
Additionally, staff recommended that the previous revenue sharing allocations to Inverle Way
be requested to be transferred to the Renaissance Drive revenue sharing project.
Following additional discussion of the Russell 150 project, Mr. Lemieux made a motion,
seconded by Mr. Racey, that the Committee voted to recommend that the Board move
ahead with an application for the projects noted above and request that VDOT transfer
the existing revenue sharing funds for Inverle Way to the Renaissance Drive project.
Motion passed unanimously.
3. Double Church Road Truck Restriction
Staff presented the following information to the Transportation Committee.
Traffic Counts:
Staff reviewed VDOT traffic counts from 2004-2008 for the roadway segment which connects
to Route 277. Counts range from 3,000 to 3,300 for that time period. Truck percentages for this
time period ranged from 1%-6%.
Accident Data: There were a total of 70 crashes along Double Church Road over the last five
years (11/01/03 to 10/31/08). None of the 70 involved tractor trailers
State Police Contact: Staff spoke with First Sargent Hawkins of the Virginia State Police
barracks in Kernstown and he indicated that he is supportive of a truck restriction in that area.
County Police Contact: Staff spoke with Lt. Richardson, who is the Traffic Safety Coordinator.
While he had not had numerous calls regarding trucks in that area, he did very clearly state that
this is not a road that trucks should be using.
Citizen Contacts: Since news coverage of this issue began, staff has been contacted by
approximately three residents. Two were in favor of truck restriction and one was against.
VDOT Discussions: Discussions that staff has had with VDOT continue to indicate that they
feel it would be best to move forward with the truck restriction process.
2
Staff's recommendation is that we move forward with the truck restriction process and consider
concurrently adding truck restrictions to Reliance Road to offset an undesired traffic shift to that
facility. Should the Committee agree, a recommendation should be made to the Board of
Supervisors that a resolution be passed requesting truck restriction on the roadway.
Following staff's presentation of the above data and recommendations to the Committee, there
was a significant amount of discussion regarding the involvement of Warren County. The
Committee indicated that it would be best to move forward concurrently with Warren County on
any application the Board may choose to pursue. Staff indicated that communications with
Warren County Administrator Doug Stanley indicated that they were interested in moving
forward. The Committee directed staff to continue working toward a commitment from Warren
County.
Committee members asked VDOT and staff whether it may be more effective or expedient to
put up warning signage to discourage trucks from using Double Church Road. VDOT indicated
that signs could be put in place within 30-45 days. Staff noted that ignoring the warning signs
would not be a ticket -able offence.
On a motion by Mr. Lemieux and seconded by Mr. Racey, the Committee recommended
proceeding with the warning signs and coordinating with Warren County. Motion passed
unanimously.
4. Commercialization of Rest Areas
Staff noted that Congressman Wolf is working to seek federal authorization for Virginia to
commercialize rest areas along the interstate corridors. This practice is currently not allowed
per federal law. Staff noted that the County may wish to give support to Congressman Wolf's
efforts in the form of a resolution or letter.
On a motion by Mr. Lemieux and seconded by Mr. Burleson, the Committee
recommended that the Board of Supervisors support Congressman Wolfs efforts and note
in the communications of support that localities be given space for tourism offices in the
rest areas. Motion passed unanimously.
***Items Not Requiring Action***
_5. Other
JAB/bad
3