TC 03-23-15 Meeting MinutesMEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Supervisors
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/665-5651
FROM: John A. Bishop, AICP, Deputy Director - Transportation „
RE: Transportation Committee Report for Meeting of March 23, 2015
DATE: April 1, 2015
The Transportation Committee met on March 23, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.
Members Present
Chuck DeHaven (voting)
James Racey (voting)
Gene Fisher (voting)
Barry Schnoor (voting)
Gary Oates (liaison PC)
Lewis Boyer (liaison Stephens City)
Members Absent
Mark Davis (liaison Middletown)
***Items Requiring Action***
NONE
***Items Not Requiring Action***
1. VDOT Road Project Updates
FAX: 540/665-6395
VDOT Staff was on hand to update the committee on a number of projects as follows:
Route 37
Mr. Chris Colson from VDOT was on hand and noted that while the study was delayed due
to the model update that had to be done, it is expected to be completed by this fall. He also
noted that in the coming months staff would be contacted for involvement as VDOT
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
considers key areas.
Exit 310 Construction
Mr. Scott Alexander noted that the project has been awarded and is in preconstruction with
an official start date of April 15, 2015. The project has a fixed end date of May 2018 but
includes early completion incentives for a completion as early as November 2017.
Exit 313 Study
Mr. Scott Alexander noted that the Interchange Modification Report effort is underway.
Regional transportation model outputs are being converted to `design volumes' which aids
in design level decision making on items such as length of turn lanes required. He also
indicated that the County can expect to start seeing concepts this summer.
Redbud Road Study
While early in the process, it was noted that letters have gone out to surrounding property
owners regarding upcoming aerial photography for this project.
2. HB2 Implementation Update
Staff updated the committee on the meeting they attended on March 3 in Harrisonburg.
Staff noted that input rendered at the January session in Edinburg did not appear to make it
through to what was presented at this session. Staff also noted that VDOT has yet to run
any test cases, which is making it difficult for localities to determine which Tier of
consideration they should be in for scoring projects. It was noted that the first projects to be
scored under the new system will be those who lost funds at the beginning of this process.
Staff noted that while VDOT has continued to state that the process will not be perfect at
first and will likely require improvement over time, Frederick County has a lot to lose if the
product isn't good the first time. Staff would note that the impression continues that VDOT
is very concerned with getting this done quickly.
3. Eastern Road Plan Update Discussion
Staff noted a desire to complete a comprehensive update to the Eastern Road Plan. The
opportunity to align the discussion with the Comprehensive Plan update was discussed and
staff was asked to develop a timeline.
4. Safety Evaluation Discussion
Staff discussed the possibility of creating a document that quantifies key areas of safety
concern in Frederick County. This will provide a tool to decision makers during planning
exercises such as plan updates as well as rezonings. Staff noted that this will require
significant coordination with VDOT.
5. County Road Project Updates
Tevis Extension and Bridge
Has reached 30% design and is on hold at this time.
Valley Mill Road Realignment
Has reached 30% design and staff is preparing to meet with private partners to proceed to
the next phase. Staff also noted there is a pending revenue sharing application for the
construction phase of this project.
Snowden Bridge Boulevard
Design has been approved. Right-of-way plats are being reviewed and bid package
prepared. This should go to bid in approximately 1 month.
Renaissance Drive
No activity
Coverstone Drive
Application for Revenue Sharing is pending.
6. Other
Mr. Fisher is seeking guidance from VDOT on what to tell frustrated drivers in his district
regarding the continued lack of permissive left opportunities which is leading to people
running red lights out of frustration. VDOT noted that five (5) local intersection have been
selected as pilot locations for permissive lefts and this includes the intersections he
brought up.
Mr. Racey noted issues at the Double Tollgate intersection where both left turn arrows are
activating when only one is needed. VDOT is looking into the issue.
JB/pd