TCMinutes2023August28TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT to the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Monday, August 28, 2023
8:30 a.m.
107 NORTH KENT STREET, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
ATTENDEES:
Committee Members Present: Judith McCann-Slaughter Chairman (Voting), Gary Oates
(Voting), Shontya Washington (Voting), Josh Ludwig (Voting), Kevin Kenney (Voting) and
Lewis Boyer (Liaison Stephens City).
Committee Members Absent: Charles DeHaven, Jr. (Voting).
Staff Present: John Bishop, Assistant Director and Kathy Smith, Secretary.
ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
Gainesboro Road/Route 522 Intersection Project: Upon a motion from Kevin Kenney, seconded
by Gary Oates the Committee recommended the conventional signalized alternative to Board. A
resolution is attached for Board Consideration. Staff discussed the two alternatives for the
intersection. The conventional signalized intersection and a continuous green T. Staff
recommendation was conventional signalization. Staff will be seeking the same support from the
School Division and the Sheriff’s Department.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY:
Public Comments: The family members and friends of the Joseph Shane Stephens spoke on safety
improvements on Berryville Pike at the intersection of Woods Mill Road where Joesph was struck
and killed by a driver who reportedly ran a red light on westbound Berryville Pike. Ed Carter, VDOT
spoke of the safety measures being considered including lowering the speed limit in the area,
additional signal ahead signage and additional pavement markings to ensure drivers are in the
correct lane.
Capital Improvement Plan Update: Upon a motion by Gary Oates, seconded by Kevin Kenney, the
Committee recommends that the Board authorize staff to make minor addition/clarification of
projects in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the purpose of memorialization of priority and
application competitiveness. Staff gave an overview of the CIP updates with the Revenue Sharing
projects on Warrior Drive that is component of the existing priority 21 and Route 11 at Shawnee
Drive no change to the description just updating the funding priority to 16. Staff have added
Transportation Alternatives with the Valley Mill Road (add at 27), Warrior Drive (add at 28) and
Iverlee Way (add at 29) projects.
Truck Restriction Request: At the request of Supervisor Lockridge in response to the numerous
citizen concerns about restricting through trucks on Gold Hill Road. Staff gave a brief update on
the legislative requirements and traffic summary from previous years. After discussion, the
Committee recommended not to forward the request to the Board.
SmartScale Policy Updates Presentation: Brad Reed, VDOT presented the potential updates to
the SmartScale Scoring process. With an analysis of the performance of past funding rounds,
survey assessment that includes the public inputs, procedural review to identify improvements
including the applications updates and the communication process improvements. Also
discussed was obtaining the input from CTB members. causes
County Project Updates: Renaissance Drive: Land disturbance is underway on the primary road
corridor. Staff is awaiting final execution of the signed agreements sent to CSX.
Route 37 Study: Data gathering for modeling as well as stakeholder interviews are ongoing. Staff
will be engaged in an additional update meeting with our consultant prior to the Committee
meeting and will update with any additional information as needed.
Other: Todd Stevens, VDOT gave a summary on the I-81 at exit 317 & Rt. 11 interchange projects.
The exit 317 signal upgrade has gone to bid, northbound and southbound at exit 317 will be going
to bid on 12/2023. The relocation of Redbud Road is scheduled for bid in 4/2025 and must occur
prior to northbound off ramp realignment to Redbud that is planned to go to bid in 3/2026,
Diverging Diamond Interchange has a bid scheduled date of 5/2028.
PDRES#38-23
RESOLUTION
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: September 13, 2023 Pending
RESOLUTION
Regarding A Traditional Signalized Intersection at Gainesboro Road
and U.S. Route 522
WHEREAS, traffic entering and exiting Frederick County Middle School and Gainesboro Elementary School
consistently encounters and adds to an unsafe condition; and,
WHEREAS, the entrance points for these schools are to be relocated to Gainesboro Road; and
WHEREAS, the County at its expense, has endeavored to upgrade the intersection of Gainesboro Road and U.S.
Route 522 to accommodate this traffic as well as improve the safety for existing users ; and,
WHEREAS, the County has engaged in a cooperative study process with VDOT staff and the County ’s consultant to
determine the best course of action to maximize safety at this intersection; and
WHEREAS, the two highest scoring alternatives are a Continuous Green T and a Traditional Signalized Intersection;
and
WHEREAS, the County’s highest priority is the safety of the traveling public, particularly the school students in this
location; and
WHEREAS, the County’s Transportation Committee has recommended the implementation of a traditional signalized
intersection; and
WHEREAS, while the County has consistently utilized and supported alternative intersection designs, both the lack of
compelling safety data regarding the use of a Continuous Green T and concerns regarding impacts to downstream
properties indicate that a traditional signalized intersection is the better alternative.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Frederick hereby submits
this resolution to notify the Virginia Department of Transportation and Commonwealth Transportation Board of the
County’s preference for a traditional signalized intersection at Gainesboro Road and U.S. Route 522.
Passed this 13th day of September 2023 by the following recorded vote:
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr., Chairman Shawn L. Graber
Robert W. Wells Judith McCann-Slaughter
Josh E. Ludwig Blaine P. Dunn
Heather H. Lockridge
A COPY ATTEST
______________________________
Michael L. Bollhoefer
Frederick County Administrator