TC 11-23-20 Meeting MinutesTRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT to the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Monday, November 23, 2020
8:30 a.m.
107 NORTH KENT STREET, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
ATTENDEES:
Committee Members Present: Judith McCann-Slaughter, Chairman (Voting), Charles
DeHaven, Jr. (Voting), Gary Oates (Voting) and James Racey (Voting).
Committee Members Absent Mark Davis (Liaison Middletown), Cordell Watt (Voting)
and Lewis Boyer (Liaison Stephens City).
Staff Present: Assistant Director-Transportation John Bishop and Kathy Smith, Secretary.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY:
1 – Capital Improvement Program Update: Staff gave a brief overview to the Committee on the
status of the Capital Improvement Program on the current Transportation projects. Staff
recommended the following changes:
1. Removal of item 2, Crossover Blvd. & Bridge of I-81 due to expectation that it will
be nearing completion by the time the new Capital Improvement Program is
adopted. Staff noted that the Route 277 Widening and Safety Improvements (PH1)
is also under construction, it is very early in that project which is why Staff is
recommending not removing that project at this time.
2. Update of cost due to inflation.
3. Update Redbud Road cost to reflect VDOT analysis of that project which is expected
to be completed shortly.
After discussion, the Committee was in support with the Staff recommended changes.
Upon a motion by, James Racey and seconded by Gary Oates the Committee recommended to
forward the Capital Improvement Plan of updated Transportation Projects to the
Comprehensive Policy Plan subcommittee.
2 – VTRANS Update: Staff gave a brief update on the current progress of the VTRANS. VTRANS
is the statewide Transportation Plan and is critically important for localities when applying for
Smartscale funds. The projects for which SmartScale funds are sought must be related to an
identified VTRANS need. Staff noted that they have participated in numerous webinars through
the current update process. In addition, staff reviewed the VTRANS website with the committee
(www.vtrans.org) and noted that on that page, any interested party can sign up for updates.
3 - County Projects Updates: Crossover Boulevard aka Tevis Street Extension/Airport Road/I-
81 Bridge: The work on Route 522 intersection is progressing and the project team recently met
to address an issue with the entrances near the new apartment complexes south east of new
Route 522 intersection for a minor plan modification.
Renaissance Drive: Staff and the County’s private partners recently met with CSX to discuss
issues with the drainage design across the railroad tracks. The railroad did not accept the
County’s previous proposed solution and discussed alternatives. It is excepted whatever is
determined will likely result in a higher cost estimate. The amount cannot be determined until
a design solution can be agreed upon. Staff will continue to provide updates as we work through
the process.
4-Other:
A: Staff discussed the Rural Rustic Program review process after receiving a complaint from
residents in the vicinity of the North Sleepy Creek project who were unhappy that the
roadway segment was being paved. Staff recommended reviewing segments currently
on the unscheduled list to make sure the segments are reasonable and have
independent utility. Staff also noted that the concerned citizens had suggested reaching
back out to the residents of the proposed roadway just prior to construction beginning
to make sure they still wanted it. However it was noted that with how the programming
of projects works this may not be practical. In addition it was noted that while roads
are brough to the paving list via citizen concerns, once on the list they are graded on
real issues such as traffic, drainage, safety and if they are scoring high enough to be
paved, really do need to be addressed. In addition, VDOT will now be posting signs 30
days before a project is to begin.
B: The Sheriff Department asked for improvements to be done on Route 277 during the
project phase if VDOT could adjust the timing of the signal lights. Also, if the entrances
could be opened on the weekend when it is more congested in the area of Double
Church Road and Route277 and restriping of the turn lanes because of the construction
traffic the lines are no longer visible.
C: Committee member Gary Oates discussed with the Committee that the Transportation
Director should be its own department and report directly to County Administration.
This would allow for plans to be submitted to and reviewed in that department. In
addition, that department would seek grants for roadway funding and expand into other
such transportation items as the Board of Supervisors or County Administration should
direct.
Upon a motion by Gary Oates and seconded by Chuck DeHaven the Committee
forwarded the recommendation to create a stand-alone Transportation department to
the Board of Supervisors.