TC 09-28-20 Meeting MinutesTRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT to the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Monday, September 28, 2020
8:30 a.m.
107 NORTH KENT STREET, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
ATTENDEES:
Committee Members Present: Judith McCann-Slaughter, Chairman (Voting), Gary Oates
(Voting), James Racey (Voting) and Lewis Boyer (Liaison Stephens City).
Committee Members Absent Mark Davis (Liaison Middletown) Charles DeHaven, Jr.
(Voting) and Cordell Watts (Voting).
Staff Present: Assistant Director-Transportation John Bishop and Kathy Smith, Secretary.
ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: NONE
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY:
1 – Route 522 Realignment Area Study Update: Staff gave an overview to the Committee on
the status and progress of the Route 522 Realignment Area Study that is being conducted by the
Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) on ways to realign the
traffic on Route 522 (Front Royal Pike). The Phase 1 of the study is working closely with the
Winchester Airport Authority and FAA to have the road included on the update of the Airport
Master Plan from which it had previously been removed because of federal funding concerns.
The online survey for the project had very little feedback with most of the comments received
commented on needing to reduce the congestion of the area. The MPO has reviewed three
alignment options and the recommended alternative is the connection to Prince Frederick Drive.
The second phase of the study will further refine the alignment alternative and make
recommendations for the Route 50 corridor between Prince Frederick and Exit 313. Supervisor
Fisher ask that Staff continue to keep Nick Sabo, Executive Director/Airport Manager informed
with all changes or updates.
2 – Oakdale Crossing and Ravens Traffic Calming Update: Staff was directed by the Committee
in the August 2020 meeting to coordinate with VDOT to have lines striped within the previous
study area. Staff clarified that the $8,400 previously quoted would not cover the cost of all the
roads that needed to be done. The cost would be approximately double to paint the following:
Crestlieigh Dr., Hunters Ridge, Flanagan Dr., Kinross Dr., Dewberry Dr., and Fairfield Dr. The
funds are available to cover the cost in the safety line item funding in safety funds from VDOT.
The speed studies have shown that the subdivision does not have documented speeding issue.
VDOT spoke on the subject with the Committee that once the money is spent for the line striping
that the residents may not see much in the reduction of the speeders. VDOT will do another
speed study after applying the striping. The striping will need to be refreshed every 3 or 4 year
and will not be maintained by VDOT unless the study shows that it is helping with the speed
problem. The County does have safety money year to year that could be used to cover the cost
of the maintenance, but it is no guarantee that funds will be available every year. Committee
member Gary Oates recommended going ahead the with the line striping as recommended in
the last meeting and will revisit to see if any improvement from the VDOT studies. It was noted
that Staff has had many complaint’s and VDOT has done numerous studies through the years
for the Oakdale Crossing and Ravens subdivision.
3 – County Transportation Forum Discussion: Staff is currently working under the assumption
that due to the Covid-19 pandemic the County Transportation Forum will be unable to take place
as it had in years past. Staff gave the Committee a list of possible alternatives such a zoom,
facebook live, or website entries to share additional information on specific items they may
desire to get more information out about. VDOT recommended that the Agency could prepare
a video for the County’s website highlighting projects in the County. After discussion, it was
recommended from the Committee to cancel this year’s Transportation Forum.
4 - County Projects Updates: Crossover Boulevard aka Tevis Street Extension/Airport Road/I-
81 Bridge: The significant majority of the roadway now has at least one layer of asphalt down
and finishing work continues on the Bridge. Significant work has been taking place at the
intersection of Crossover/ Airport/Route 522 that has resulted in temporary lane closures at
times. The signal is temporary with no sensors until a permanent signal is installed. The Sheriff’s
Department asked if the timing could be adjusted to help with the Route 522 traffic. VDOT is to
follow up with the Traffic Department to see if the timing can be adjusted.
Renaissance Drive: Plans have been updated to reflect the review comments from VDOT and
CSX and have been returned for review. In addition, significant work has been completed on
updating the cost estimate which has increased the budget on the project. The funding for
Revenue Sharing Application is pending which is waiting for VDOT to update the revenue
projections. Staff updated the committee that the budget for the project is very tight and that
if CSX does not approve the open cut for drainage structures or if the pending revenue sharing
application does not get approved, or if any other line items have to be increased there would
be funding shortfall to discuss.
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