Loading...
TCAgenda2024October281.Adoption of Agenda 2.Welcome and Introductions 3.Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Draft 3.A.Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Draft 4.Capital Improvement Plan Update 4.A.Capital Improvement Plan Update 5.County Project Updates 5.A.County Project Updates 6.Other 6.A.Veterans Road (Route 625) Paving Request 6.B.December Meeting Cancellation AGENDA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 8:30 AM FIRST-FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM FREDERICK COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA TC10-28-24EasternFrederickCountyTransportationStudy_Draft.pdf TC10-28-24CapitalImprovementPlanUpdate.pdf TC10-28-24CountyProjectUpdates.pdf TC10-28-24Other.pdf 1 Transportation Committee Agenda Item Detail Meeting Date: October 28, 2024 Agenda Section: Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Draft Title: Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Draft Attachments: TC10-28-24EasternFrederickCountyTransportationStudy_Draft.pdf 2 3 FREDERICKCOUNTY VA WV CLARKECOUNTY WINCHESTER SHENANDOAH COUNTY WARREN COUNTY STUDYAREA WVEastern Frederick County Transportation Study (EFCTS) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 2 The following individuals and groups have been instrumental to this report: Frederick County including John Bishop, Wyatt Pearson, and Kayla Peloquin; Virginia Department of Transportation including Brad Reed; McCormick Taylor The lead consultant for the Eastern Frederick County Transportati on Study (EFCTS) Acknowledgments 5 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 3 Frederick County, Virginia is pursuing this study of transportation issues (needs) and possible solutions for the area to the east of the City of Winchester. As shown in Figure 1, the study area will include I-81 in the west to the Frederick County/Clarke County line in the east; and will extend from Route 761 on the north side of the city to the Tasker Road area east of the I-81 Exit 310. The study identified and documented specific transportation needs then developed potential solutions as concepts. The public had opportunities to provide input on the purpose, needs and conceptual solutions. Conceptual solutions were refined for public comment and an implementation plan was developed to include a prioritized list of improvements with estimates of probable costs. The study team was aware of previous efforts to pursue a Route 37 east bypass around Winchester. A bypass was considered, along with other transportation improvements, during the conceptual solution development and analysis process. The goal of the study is to develop a well-defined set of transportation needs to be addressed by a fiscally implementable set of transportation improvements. Additional recommendations, such as land use or access management controls, will also be included in the final plan. Additional alternatives analyses as a part of a Phase II study will be required to further develop alternatives to be viable for grant funding such as Smart Scale.Figure 1: Study Area Study Overview 6 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 4 The Study Area is in the Urban Development Area (UDA) of Frederick County. To accommodate anti cipated residenti al growth, this porti on of the County has been identi fi ed as the area where more intensive forms of residenti al development will occur. While the UDA currently consists of primarily suburban residenti al types of development, with some multi family units, parti cular areas have been identi fi ed to accommodate a more intensive mix of land uses and residenti al housing opportuniti es.1 According to the Comprehensive Plan, Frederick County has grown signifi cantly in the past two decades in both populati on and economic development. One of the contributors to the County’s populati on growth was the migrati on of people from inside of the Washington Metropolitan Stati sti cal Area (WMSA) to Frederick County for a higher quality of life including lower housing costs and a lower tax rate. Frederick County, because of its locati on and excellent access to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., has become a desirable place to live for those commuters. Frederick County has also become an att racti ve place to live for reti rees. The UDA should allow for housing that will meet the needs of fi rst- ti me buyers, reti rees, move-up residents, and seniors.2 While the Comprehensive Plan does not state projected numbers for the total populati on or jobs in 2035, the Winchester/Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organizati on (WinFred MPO) shared combined projecti ons for the City of Winchester and Frederick County in their Transportati on Plan 2040 (see Figure 2). 1 Frederick County, “Residenti al Development: Current Conditi ons”, Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 2 Frederick County, “Residenti al Development: Focus for the Future”, Frederick County Comprehensive Plan Figure 2: Combined Projected Growth | Source: WinFred MPO Trasnsportati on Plan 2040 107,115 151,408 93,000 55,796 2015 2040 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 200,000 People Jobs Demographics and Socioeconomics 7 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 5 Given the nature of the study area, a specifi c point was made to identi fy problems throughout as opposed to focusing solely on the original Route 37 Bypass study and EIS statements. It was also desired to determine if any of the original segments of the Route 37 Bypass had logical termini and independent uti lity and would eff ecti vely address any of the problems now and in the future that were found in the problem assessment phase of the study. To create the purpose and needs statements, an evaluati on of the most recent studies and existi ng comprehensive plan was completed. Additi onally, conversati ons with staff at Frederick County Planning and VDOT helped to provide context and frame these statements. A review of the PSI segments and intersecti ons was also conducted, and the needs statements refl ect improvements proposed in that list. A thorough region wide travel demand model analysis was completed to determine areas of traffi c growth in 2050 and origin and desti nati on of these trip pairs as noted earlier in the report. Project Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a range of alternati ves to improve mobility and safety for all road users, reduce congesti on, and enhance system conti nuity while meeti ng the needs of interstate, regional, and local traffi c passing through and moving within the study area, including the evaluati on of the proposed Route 37 bypass. Project Purpose & Need The purpose and needs statements were included in a survey for public input and presented at a public meeti ng, and the results are discussed in the following secti on. 8 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 6 Project Needs Bicycle/Pedestrian As indicated in the 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update3, the existing bicycle network lacks infrastructure and 62% of roadways have Level of service (LOS) D (adequate for advanced riders) or worse. The pedestrian results showed that 60% of the network was either deemed adequate or adequate but not likely used for choice users (people who prefer to use walking as their primary mode of transportation). With land development since 2014, it is likely that bicycle and pedestrian needs have only increased since this time and linkages are desired to regional parks, schools, and commercial development. Congestion Virginia State Route 7 between the Frederick/Clarke County line and the City of Winchester is the major link between Frederick County and destinations in Northern Virginia. Volumes from the Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) study in 2017 indicate that the average daily traffic (ADT) on this corridor is projected to reach 40,800 vehicles per day (VPD) by 2047. There is a current System for the Management and Allocation of Resources for Transportation (SMART) Scale project aimed at improving safety and traffic flow on Route 7 between Route 815/Millbrook Drive/Blossom Drive and Route 656/First Woods Drive/Greenwood Drive; however, additional segments have been identified in the PSI. In addition, two segments of Route 7 within the study area fall within the 1.5 > V/C > 1. • The intersection of I-81 Exit 317 and Route 11 is the most congested intersection in the Staunton District and is currently being redesigned as a diverging diamond interchange. Additionally, improved connectivity is needed between Route 7 and Route 11 to alleviate congestion. • Development in the area near the airport along both the Route 50 and Route 522 corridors has the potential to create congestion issues in the future, both at Exit 313 and at intersections along both corridors and the intersection with Crossover Boulevard. The extension of Crossover Boulevard to US 17/50 has been identified in the Frederick County Comprehensive Plan as an important connection and will offer improved access to the Virginia Inland Port. 3 NSVRC, WinFred MPO, Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update 9 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 7 • Large-scale residential land development on the study area’s southern end uses Warrior Drive and Tasker Road to access I-81 and Route 37. Additional interstate or state route connectivity from Warrior Drive is critical to continue residential development in this area and relieve congestion on Tasker Road. The Comprehensive plan includes a proposed link to extend Warrior Drive to the proposed Route 37 alignment as a potential solution to redistribute traffic in this area. Safety Upon reviewing the VDOT crash data from 2017-2021 and the Top PSI intersections it also becomes apparent that there is a significant safety issue on Route 7. • Since 2017, there have been 206 reportable crashes in the 3.76-mile stretch of roadway on Route 7 between the City of Winchester and the Frederick/Clarke County line. The 1.28-mile segment between Greenwood Road and Valley Mill Road has been identified as the #7 top PSI priority by VDOT statewide. A SMART Scale project is in the design phase to add capacity and reduce conflict points to a 0.52-mile segment of roadway in this crash cluster area, but this project only addresses a portion of the study area. • The VA 7 and US 11 corridors have two of the more prominent crash histories, including significant numbers of fatal and injury crashes. • ADT on Route 7 Eastbound4: 14,000 VPD; Route 7 Westbound: 14,000 VPD; Total Crashes = 735; Fatal/Injury (FI) Crashes = 176 • ADT on Route 11 Northbound5: 14,000 VPD; Route 11 Southbound: 14,000 VPD; Total Crashes = 347; FI = 71 • The study area includes 24 intersections and 15 segments in the Statewide VDOT 2017-2021 Top 100 PSI list. • Six of the 15 segments are located on Route 7: • Begin milepost (MP) 1.75, end MP 2.00: Total Crashes = 23; Fatal/Injury (FI) Crashes = 8 (VDOT District Rank 26) 4,5 ArcGIS, VDOT, https://vdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?layers=a8da35dd9ce54993b25f64487c3717ec 10 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 8 • Begin MP 2.10, end MP 2.26: Total Crashes = 52; FI = 10 (VDOT District Rank 2) • Begin MP 2.26, end MP 2.51: Total Crashes = 16; FI = 3 (VDOT District Rank 60) • Begin MP 2.51, end MP 2.82: Total Crashes = 21; FI = 6 (VDOT District Rank 13) • Begin MP 2.82, end MP 3.26: Total Crashes = 17; FI = 3 (VDOT District Rank 94) • Begin MP 3.48, end MP 4.76: Total Crashes = 59; FI = 14 (VDOT District Rank 7) – improvements to this segment have been committed in the Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP), with construction completed in 2026. I-81 Needs – Identified in the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan: • While not specifically identified in the I-81 CIP and outside of the study area, improvements are warranted at the intersection of I-81 Exit 307 to address safety and congestion. A project Pipeline study has been completed at this interchange to identify cost effective solutions to address safety and congestion concerns. • Recent improvements were completed at the I-81 and Route 37 interchange at Exit 310. The installation of a changeable message sign (CMS) is proposed as a safety measure. • Safety and congestion are an issue at the I-81 and Route 50 interchange at Exit 313. CMS’s are proposed at this interchange, however that does not address the existing congestion issue. • Widening I-81 to three lanes between Exits 313 and 317 (both Northbound and Southbound) was recommended for funding. • The addition of an auxiliary lane is a recommended improvement between Exits 313 and 315. • The addition of traffic cameras was recommended at Exit 317. • A design concept was created for a diverging diamond interchange at Exit 317 to address congestion and safety. 11 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 9 The McCormick Taylor project team collaborated with VDOT, Frederick County, the City of Winchester, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) and the WinFred MPO over the course of this project. Bi-weekly project status meetings were conducted with Frederick County, and project status reports, including PowerPoint presentations, were consistently delivered to the Frederick County Transportation Committee by the McCormick Taylor consultant team Project Managers, Brian St. John, P.E., PTOE, and Alexandra Castrechini, P.E. The communications protocols and public outreach practices utilized for this project were developed to align with VDOT’s Governance Document Public Involvement Manual (revised November 2021). The draft Public Engagement Plan (PEP) was shared with the public for review and comment and presented to Frederick County for implementation approval. The draft Purpose and Needs statements were also shared with the public for review and comment and were overwhelmingly accepted as depicted in Figure 17. 81 Draft Bicycle/Pedestrian Needs Draft Purpose Statement 148 Purpose and Needs Statement Surveys Received 28 Additional Comments 139 (95%) agree with statements as presented 8 (5%) disagree with statements as presented 1 did not provide a response Draft Congestion Needs Draft Interstate 81 Needs 79% 78 agree with statements as presented 21% 21 disagree with statements as presented 49 did not provide a response 91% 92 agree with statements as presented 9% 9 disagree with statements as presented 47 did not provide a response 88% 95 agree with statements as presented 12% 13 disagree with statements as presented 40 did not provide a response 86% 104 agree with statements as presented 14% 17 disagree with statements as presented 0 did not provide a response Draft Safety Needs Figure 17: Purpose & Needs Survey Results Agency & Public Engagement 12 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 10 Data collection and analysis efforts focused on using existing available traffic data, including current and future projections (generally a 20-year horizon). No additional traffic counts were completed as part of the study. Traffic generated by new and pending development within, or that influence the transportation network in the study area, was included in the updated demographic forecasts used in the model. The traffic model used 2019 as the base year and forecasted traffic volumes in 2050. Overall growth in Vehicle-miles Traveled (VMT) between 2019 and 2050 is 1.7% using a linear growth rate. This growth aligns with that in households (1.2% per year) and external traffic (1.8% per year). The study area was broken up into traffic analysis zones (TAZ’s) and an analysis was completed to determine what the existing and future traffic patterns look like between these zones. This analysis is included in the report in detail. Another aspect of the analysis was to look at volume to capacity ratios (V/C). V/C ratios provide a measurement of how well a facility can accommodate traffic. For instance, a ratio of 0 indicates free flow traffic and a ratio of 1 or greater indicates severe congestion. LOS is another metric used to describe traffic flow used to symbolize the quality of traffic services. It is used to examine highways by categorizing traffic flow and allocating quality levels based on performances like speed, density, delay and many more. The key to an effective LOS is the ability of a transportation system to provide safe and reliable service for its users. LOS ranges from A (best quality of traffic/free flow of traffic) to F (worst quality of traffic/breakdown of traffic flow). Frederick County ordinance requires a minimum LOS C for transportation impact analyses (TIA’s) for new development. Figure 11 shows the locations where the V/C ratio would exceed 0.85 (on roadways with LOS D or worse) in 2050.Figure 11: Locations Where V/C (LOS D) Ratio 0.85 ≥ in 2050 | Source: WRA Traffic Analyses 13 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 11 Each segment of the original bypass was considered and an evaluati on completed. Detailed cost esti mates were not developed for the original proposed four lane limited access confi gurati on but engineering judgement and comparable faciliti es were used to develop costs referenced in this secti on of the report. Detailed work was completed to develop potenti al soluti ons to address the needs noted earlier in the document. Refer to Figure 18 on for a map showing each of the following segments. Bypass Segment 1 from Route 37 on the west side of I-81 to Route 11 includes a system interchange with Route 37 on the west and a cloverleaf interchange with I-81. The cloverleaf interchange as proposed would be diffi cult if not impossible to meet interchange spacing requirements and would require signifi cant additi onal im- provements on Interstate 81 and sideroads to meet current design criteria. This segment had the least traffi c volume in the updated travel demand model at approximately 13,000 VPD and it is the most expensive segment of the original bypass. Engineering judge- ment would lead to a cost of over half a billion dollars for that seg- ment of the original bypass including the interchange with I-81 and Route 37. Bypass Segment 2 from Route 11 to Route 7 (Berryville Pike) at- tracts about 18,000 VPD and is in an area of the study area that is rapidly growing from both a residenti al and employment per- specti ve. It would also allow some relief to Berryville Pike which is one of the corridors with high V/C rati os in 2050. This segment in the four-lane limited access confi gurati on would likely be over $250 million dollars given the interchanges, right of way (ROW), and structures required. BYPASSSEGMENT-1 BYPASSSEGMENT-2 BYPASSSEGMENT-3 BYPASSSEGMENT-4 BYPASSSEGMENT-5 Berryville Pike Berryvill e A v e Welltown RdWyck S t Woods Mill RdValley Mill R d Greenwood RdSenseny R d Senseny R d Haggerty BlvdE C o r k S t Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdWarrior DrTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRd FairmountAveFortCollierRdSnowdenBridge R d Park Jim Barnett ParkIzaacWalton Club Country Winchester Course GolfValley Carper's Regional Airport Winchester 17 17 17 522 522 522 522 81 81 81 11 11 11 7 7 7 37 81 S U N N Y S I D E E S TAT E S FA IR WAY H E I G H T S B UF F L IC K S O U T H V I E WWESTWOOD MI L L S PA R K I N S H E I G H T S S E N S E N Y H E IG H TS M I L L E R PA R K C O L L E G E HILLS SHENAND OAH S P R I N G S J O R D A N FA C TO RY B U R N T S P R I N G VA L L E Y H E I G HT S G R E E N W OO D K N O LL S B U R N I N G 0 10.50.25 MilesN TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY www.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Original Route 37 Bypass | Segments Figure 18: Original Bypass Segments Berryville PikeBerryville Ave Welltown RdWyck St Woods Mill RdValley Mill RdGreenwood RdSenseny Rd Senseny RdE Cork St Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRdFairmountAveFortCollierRdParkJimBarnett Park Izaac Walton ClubCountryWinchesterCourseGolfValleyCarper'sRegional AirportWinchester 84,80013,40011,400 18,30028,10021,50013,40021,7009,000 21,20024,400 26,10026,70049,8 0 083,600102,20017 1717522522522 522 8181 81 1111117 7 73781 0 10.50.25 MilesN Legend Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) The average number of vehicles that use this road in a day. Volume to Capacity Ratio (V/C) The volume of vehicles a given road can handle at a time. A higher number (greater than 1.50) means the demand for road space is higher than its capacity, thus causing excessive traffic delays and congestion. Less than 0.85 0.85 to 1.00 1.00 to 1.50 Greater than 1.50 ##### TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTYwww.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Projected Traffic in 2050 | With Bypass Original Route 37 Bypass Assessment 14 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 12 Bypass Segment 3 from Route 7, Berryville Pike to US 17/50 (Millwood Pike) is a link through relati vely undeveloped land and may increase sprawl and encourage development that is not desirable. This segment of the original bypass att racts approximately 22,000 VPD in 2050 but has less independent value as it relates to the needs identi fi ed in this study. This segment would also likely cost over $200 million in the prior confi gurati on. The segment from Berryville Pike to Senseny Road has more value and could reduce traffi c on Senseny Road and Greenwood Road and provide an alternati ve to Route 7 Berryville Pike. The segment south of Senseny Road to Millwood Pike traverses signifi cant topography and an al- ternati ves analysis would be recommended to fi nd the best and most economically feasible route. Bypass Segment 4 from US 17/50 (Millwood Pike) to US 522 (Front Royal Pike) is another link through relati vely undeveloped land but would provide access to appropriately zoned land and areas targeted for development in and around the airport and along both Millwood Pike and Front Royal Pike. It would also provide for alternate connecti ons to Papermill and Airport Road/Crossover Boulevard for future relief. This segment would also likely cost over $200 million dollars in the prior confi gurati on and would att ract approximately 26,000 VPD in the 2050 forecast. BYPASSSEGMENT-1 BYPASSSEGMENT-2 BYPASSSEGMENT-3 BYPASSSEGMENT-4 BYPASSSEGMENT-5 Berryville Pike Berryvil l e A v e Welltown RdW y c k S t Woods Mill RdValley Mill R d Greenwood RdSensen y R d Senseny R d Haggerty BlvdE C o r k S t Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdWarrior DrTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRd FairmountAveFortCollierRdSnowdenBridge R d ParkJimBarnett Park Izaac Walton Club CountryWinchester CourseGolf Valley Carper's Regional Airport Winchester 17 17 17 522 522 522 522 81 81 81 11 11 11 7 7 7 37 81 S U NN Y S I DE E S TAT E S FAI RWAY H EIG HTS B UFFL I CK S O U T H V I E WWESTWOOD MI LL S PARK IN S H EI G H T S S E N S E N Y H E IG H T S M I L LE R PA R K C O L L E G E HILLS SHENANDOAH S P R I NG SJORDAN FA C T O RY B U R N T S PR I N GVALLEY HEI GH T S G REE N W OO D K NO L L S B U RN I N G 0 10.50.25 MilesN TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTYwww.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Original Route 37 Bypass | Segments Figure 18: Original Bypass Segments Berryville Pi k eBerryvill e A v e Welltown RdWyck S t Woods Mill RdValley Mill R d Greenwood RdSenseny Rd Senseny R d E C o r k S t Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRd FairmountAveFortCollierRdPark Jim Barnett ParkIzaacWalton Club CountryWinchester Course Golf Valley Carper's Regional Airport Winchester 84,80013,40011,400 1 8 , 3 0 0 28,100 21,5 0 0 13,400 21,7009,000 21,20024,400 26,10026,70049,8 0 083,600102,20017 17 17 522 522 522 522 81 81 81 11 11 11 7 7 7 37 81 0 10.50.25 MilesN Legend Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) The average number of vehicles that use this road in a day. Volume to Capacity Ratio (V/C) The volume of vehicles a given road can handle at a time. A higher number (greater than 1.50) means the demand for road space is higher than its capacity, thus causing excessive traffic delays and congestion. Less than 0.85 0.85 to 1.00 1.00 to 1.50 Greater than 1.50 ##### TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTYwww.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Projected Traffic in 2050 | With Bypass 15 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 13 Bypass Segment 5 from US 522 (Front Royal Pike) to I-81/Tasker Road is the most southern secti on of the original Route 37 bypass and att racts a signifi cant amount of traffi c both in the total bypass confi gurati on and independently by itself in the 2050 travel demand model. It is a costly segment in the original confi gurati on and also in the new alternate confi gurati on due to number of structures and wetland/fl oodplain impact. It does, however, provide for addressing congesti on needs in this area and a future connecti on to Warrior Drive. The segment of the bypass between Tasker Road and the Warrior Drive extension is forecasted to have about 50,000 VPD and would require a four-lane typical secti on; the capacity of a two-lane roadway with minimal access points is approximately 23,000 to 29,000 VPD. From the Warrior Drive extension to US 17/50, a two-lane roadway would be suffi cient for the 2050 forecasted demand of approximately 27,000 VPD. Using a maximum of 29,000 VPD capacity for a two-lane roadway as a guide, each segment of the Route 37 bypass would be suffi ciently served in 2050 with a two-lane roadway, except for the segment between Tasker Road and the Warrior Drive extension which would warrant a four-lane highway based on projected volumes. Using a maximum of 29,000 VPD capacity for a two-lane roadway as a guide, each segment of the Route 37 bypass would be suffi ciently served in 2050 with a two-lane roadway, except for the segment between Tasker Road and the Warrior Drive extension which would warrant a four-lane highway based on projected volumes. BYPASSSEGMENT-1 BYPASSSEGMENT-2 BYPASSSEGMENT-3 BYPASSSEGMENT-4 BYPASSSEGMENT-5 Berryville Pike Berryvil l e A v e Welltown RdW y c k S t Woods Mill RdValley Mill R d Greenwood RdSensen y R d Senseny R d Haggerty BlvdE C o r k S t Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdWarrior DrTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRdFairmountAve FortCollierRdSnowdenBridge R d Park Jim Barnett Park Izaac Walton Club Country Winchester Course Golf ValleyCarper's Regional Airport Winchester 17 17 17 522 522 522 522 81 81 81 111111 7 7 7 37 81 S U NN Y S I DE E S TAT E S FAI RWAY H EIG HTS B UFFL I CK S O U T H V I E WWESTWOOD MI LL S PARK IN S H EI G H T S S E N S E N Y H E IG H T S M I L LE R PA R K C O L L E G E HILLS SHENANDOAH S P R I NG SJORDANFACTORYBURNTSPRINGVALLEY HEI GH T S G REE N W OO D K NO L L S B U RN I N G 0 10.50.25 MilesN TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTYwww.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Original Route 37 Bypass | Segments Figure 18: Original Bypass Segments Berryville Pi k eBerryvill e A v e Welltown RdWyck S t Woods Mill RdValley Mill R d Greenwood Rd Senseny Rd Senseny R d E C o r k S t Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRdFairmountAve FortCollierRdPark Jim Barnett ParkIzaacWalton Club CountryWinchester Course Golf Valley Carper's Regional Airport Winchester 84,80013,40011,400 18,300 28,100 21,5 0 0 13,400 21,7009,000 21,20024,400 26,10026,70049,8 0 083,600102,20017 17 17 522 522 522 522 81 81 81 111111 7 7 7 37 81 0 10.50.25 MilesN Legend Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) The average number of vehicles that use this road in a day. Volume to Capacity Ratio (V/C) The volume of vehicles a given road can handle at a time. A higher number (greater than 1.50) means the demand for road space is higher than its capacity, thus causing excessive traffic delays and congestion. Less than 0.85 0.85 to 1.00 1.00 to 1.50 Greater than 1.50 ##### TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTYwww.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Projected Traffic in 2050 | With Bypass 16 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 14 Concept Development & Potential Solutions Formulation of different concepts and solutions were centered around the needs identified and presented to the public. The Partial Limited Access Concept is defined by the following characteristics as defined in VDOTs Roadway Design Manual: provides access to select public roads, crossings at grade, and some private driveway connections. Project cost summaries for the following Potential Improvement Projects are shown on Figure 19 on page 15 and summarized in Table 13 on page 16. Taking the conglomerate dataset of the public feedback, the 2050 forecasted volumes and V/C ratios, and analysis of the sections of the Route 37 bypass from the 2001 EIS, the following concepts were formulated and proposed to the public in March 2024 for feedback. This study focused on providing cost-effective alternatives and volume appropriate solutions to address the 2050 forecasted volumes. This includes a look at the sections of the Route 37 Bypass to determine if a two-lane partial limited access roadway in lieu of a four-lane highway full limited access could adequately meet future needs. Included in the following discussion are findings from the analysis of Potential Projects 1, 3 and 4 and design considerations that were considered or warrant further analysis. The alignments from the Route 37 bypass in the 2001 EIS and UPC 85972 Study Update were used as a basis for these discussions. Since 2001, there has been land development which occurred either in or in proximity to these alignments. The following paragraphs discuss some of the challenges which warrant further analysis during a potential preliminary engineering phase. 17 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 15 Potenti al Improvement Project 1: Route 37 extension from Route 11 to Route 7 as a two-lane parti al limited access roadway (anti cipated Major Collector). Potenti al Improvement Project 2: Widening Airport Road from its current confi gurati on of two lanes to four lanes between US 522 and Admiral Byrd Drive (anti cipated Major Collector) to help alleviate congesti on (1 > V/C > 0.85) entering the Airport from I-81. Potenti al Improvement Project 3: Tasker Road/Route 37 to US 522 (anti cipated Major Collector/Minor Arterial) as a full limited access highway from Tasker Road/Route 37 to Warrior Drive and parti al limited access roadway from Warrior Drive to US 522. Potenti al Improvement Project 4: This project entails the extension of Haggerty Boulevard/Hallowed Crossings Way (anti cipated Major Collector). Potenti al Improvement Project 5: This proposed improvement includes the additi on of a center turn lane to Senseny Road between I-81 and Greenwood Road. 1 2 5 4 3 MAJOR C O L L E C T O R MAJOR COL L E C T O R / MINOR ART E R I A L MAJOR COLLECTORMAJORCOLLECTOR MAJ O R C O L L E C T O R Berryville Pike Berryvil l e A v e Welltown RdW y c k S t Woods Mill RdValley Mill R d Greenwood RdSensen y R d Senseny R d Haggerty BlvdE C o r k S t Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdWarrior DrTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRd FairmountAveFortCollierRdSnowden Bridge R d Park Jim Barnett Park Izaac Walton Club Country Winchester Course Golf Valley Carper's Regional Airport Winchester SU NNY SID E ES TATE S FA I RWAY HEIG HT SBUFFLICK S OUT HV I E WWESTWOOD M ILLS PARKINS HEI GHTS S ENSE N Y HEIGHTS M I LLE R PARK CO LLEGE HILLS SHENANDOAH SP R IN GS J OR DA N FA CTORY B UR NT SPRI N G VA L LE Y H EI GHTS GREE NWOOD KNOLLS B UR NING 0 10.50.25 MilesN TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY www.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Concept Development | Proposed Solutions 17 17 17 522 522 522 522 81 81 81 11 11 11 7 7 7 37 81 Figure 19: Potenti al Improvement Projects 18 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 16 ✓ The cost estimate summary can be found in Table 13. These planning level estimates included the following assumptions: Drainage/Stormwater Management (SWM)/Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) is 25% of the subtotal of major roadway quantities Utilities is 3% of the subtotal of major roadway quantities Signal Performance Measures (SPM)/Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) is 8% of the subtotal of major roadway quantities Preliminary Engineering is 10% of the construction subtotal Final Design is 7% of the construction subtotal ROW is 5% of the construction subtotal Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI) is 17.5% of the construction subtotal ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Planning Level Cost Estimates Table 13: Construction Cost Estimate – Side-By-Side Costs May 2024 Inflation Increase of 5% Compounded Each Year Project #Project Total With Contingencies (millions)2025 (millions)2026 (millions)2027 (millions)2028 (millions)2029 (millions) 1 $179.5 $188.5 $198 $208 $218 $229 3 $13.5 $14 $15 $16 $17 $17.5 2 $196 $206 $216 $227 $238.5 $250 4 $49 $51.5 $54 $56.5 $59.5 $62.5 5 $25.5 $27 $28 $29.5 $31 $33 TOTAL $463.5 $487 $511 $537 $564 $592 19 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 17 In addition to searching for grant opportunities to fund the potential solutions proposed, this study can be used in many ways. Reviewing the information provided in this study to re-calibrate the thought process behind the necessity of constructing the Route 37 Eastern bypass is an important one. Consideration should be made to update the Comprehensive Transportation Plan/Eastern Frederick County Road Plan to show that a two-lane roadway can meet the future transportation needs in certain segments of the bypass. Additionally, consider adding the other proposed improvements in this study to support long term transportation planning goals to increase mobility and safety for the residents of Frederick County and the traveling public. Examples include capacity preservation on US 522 and US 17/50 as this intersection and segments/intersections along US 522 were identified on VDOT’s Top PSI list. As development increases in Frederick County, these areas of preservation should receive special attention and consideration. It is also a recommendation to find a mechanism to ensure that future development will not interfere with projects included in the Transportation Plan. As noted previously, sections of the Route 37 Eastern Bypass will not be constructable on the alignment scoped in the 2001 EIS due to development that has occurred since. Consider asking developers to provide a GIS layer with the proposed footprint to avoid these conflicts in the future. This study is intended to precipitate a Phase II analysis to fully vet the alternatives so that the County and Commonwealth make the best-informed decisions possible with tax funds. As noted in the section above, SMART SCALE applications in the 6th round now require the following for roadways on new alignments: “Provide a Planning Study/Safety Study, which includes an operational analysis and documents a preferred alternative that is consistent with the scope described in the application to support this feature. The study must include an alternatives analysis that considers improvements not on a new alignment” (https://smartscale.virginia.gov/media/smartscale/documents/508_R6_Technical-Guide_FINAL_FINAL_acc043024_PM.pdf, Table 2.6). It was not within this study’s scope to do this detailed analysis for the proposed roadways on new alignment; therefore, a Phase II is necessary to enable the County to apply for SMART SCALE funding in the future. Next Steps 20 Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study (EFCTS) MAY 2024 FREDERICKCOUNTY VA WV CLARKECOUNTY WINCHESTER SHENANDOAH COUNTY WARREN COUNTY STUDYAREA WV 21 INTRODUCTION Study Overview Project Purpose PAST & CURRENT STUDIES EXISTING CONDITIONS Environmental Overview Traffic Analyses PROJECT NEEDS AGENCY & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Pulic Engagement Plan Overview Stakeholder Identification Public Meetings Community Context Audit LOGICAL TERMINI, INDEPENDENT UTILITY, & CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Logical Termini & Independent Utility Original Route 37 Bypass Assessment Concept Development GRANT OPPORTUNITIES & NEXT STEPS APPENDICES 5 5 6 7 11 11 18 33 36 36 38 38 41 44 44 45 47 58 60 Table of Contents 22 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 3 The following individuals and groups have been instrumental to this report: Frederick County including John Bishop, Wyatt Pearson, and Kayla Peloquin; Virginia Department of Transportation including Brad Reed; McCormick Taylor The lead consultant for the Eastern Frederick County Transportati on Study (EFCTS). Acknowledgments 23 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 4 ACS American Community Survey ADT Average Daily Traffic CBD Central Business District CEI Construction Engineering and Inspection CLV Critical Lane Volume CMS Changeable Message Sign EDA Economic Development Authority EFCTS Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study EIS Environmental Impact Statement EJScreen Environmental Justice Screen EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESC Erosion and Sedimentation Control FI Fatal/Injury GIS Geographic Information System I-81 Interstate 81 iCAP Interchange Control Assessment Program LOS Level of Service MP Milepost MOT Maintenance of Traffic MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization NSVRC Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission NTP Notice to Proceed PEP Public Engagement Plan PSI Potential for Safety Improvement RMSE Root Mean Square Error ROD Record of Decision ROW Right of Way SCALE Safety, Congestion reduction, Accessibility, Land use, and Economic development and the Environment SS4A Safe Streets for All SAAA Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging SMART System for the Management and Allocation of Resources for Transportation SPF Safety Performance Function SPM Signal Performance Measure STARS Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions SWM Stormwater Management SYIP Six Year Improvement Plan TAZ Traffic Analysis Zones TIA Transportation Impact Analysis UDA Urban Development Area USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USDOT United States Department of Transportation VADEQ Virginia Department of Environmental Quality V/C Volume to Capacity VDOT Virginia Department of Transportation VHSIP Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program VJuST VDOT’s Junction Screening Tool VMT Vehicle-miles Traveled VPD Vehicles per Day VWP Virginia Water Protection WinFred Winchester/Frederick County WMSA Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area WRA Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP Acronyms 24 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 5 Figure 1: Study Area Introduction Study Overview Frederick County, Virginia is pursuing this study of transportation issues (needs) and possible solutions for the area to the east of the City of Winchester. As shown in Figure 1, the study area will include Interstate 81 (I-81) in the west to the Frederick County/Clarke County line in the east; and will extend from Route 761 on the north side of the city to the Tasker Road area east of the I-81 Exit 310. The study identified and documented specific transportation needs then developed potential solutions as concepts. The public had opportunities to provide input on both the needs and conceptual solutions. Conceptual solutions were refined for public comment and an implementation plan was developed to include a prioritized list of improvements with estimates of probable costs. This plan will be used by the County for funding transportation improvements in the study area. 25 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 6 Board of Supervisors Vision Statement “Ensuring the quality of life of all Frederick County Citizens by preserving the past and planning for the future through sound fiscal management.” The study team was aware of previous efforts to pursue a Route 37 east bypass around Winchester. A bypass was considered, along with other possible transportation improvements, during the conceptual solution development and analysis process. The goal of the study is to develop a well-defined set of transportation needs to be addressed by a fiscally implementable set of transportation improvements. Additional recommendations, such as land use or access management controls, will also be included in the final plan. Additional alternatives analyses as a part of a Phase II study will be required to further develop alternatives to be viable for grant funding such as Smart Scale. Project Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a range of alternatives to improve mobility and safety for all road users, reduce congestion, and enhance system continuity while meeting the needs of interstate, regional, and local traffic passing through and moving within the study area, including the evaluation of the proposed Route 37 bypass. 26 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 7 Past & Current Studies Route 37 Bypass- Final EIS and UPC 85972 Study Updates The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Route 37 east bypass and existing Record of Decision (ROD) was completed in 2001 and left the County, stakeholders, and the permitting agencies at a crossroads in the course of action to move forward. Several options and traffic forecasts were created as part of this activity and a final alignment with detailed environmental impacts and mitigations was identified for this project. The final solution was a four-lane, limited access alternative with several interchanges with key roadways along the corridor. However, traffic volumes have not met those projections to date and the five-year validity of those forecasts have rendered the EIS and ROD unusable. In 2010-2013, there was a Route 37 Eastern Bypass Study (UPC 85972) which updated the prior ROD. Modifications were made to the prior alignments to upgrade and address geometry concerns. The resulting alignments continued the divided highway concept with interchanges. The work from this study was incorporated into the Frederick County Comprehensive Plan. Frederick County US 11 to SR 7 Connector Technical Memo Frederick County requested assistance from VDOT Staunton District Planning in assessing the pros and cons of a more direct connection between US 11 and SR 7 as it compares to existing route options. The analysis looked at existing data to identify needs prior to providing two alternatives. While this memo is a great starting point, there needs to be a more formal study/alternatives analysis completed for any alternatives to be eligible for SMART SCALE funding. Route 7 STARS Corridor Study The study of the Route 7 Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) corridor from Pleasant Valley Road to Greenwood Drive/First Woods Drive was completed by Michael Baker and finalized in September 2021. Several improvements at intersections along this corridor were included in that study, and certain improvements have advanced through other funding means. Traffic problems along this corridor are expected to continue. 27 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 8 I-81 Corridor Improvement Program The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program consists of innovative, targeted improvements that will have a substantial effect on the safety and reliability of a critical portion of the nation’s infrastructure. Within Virginia, I-81 connects 30 colleges and universities, 21 cities and towns, and 13 counties. It parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway, making this program critical to supporting job growth and economic vitality while reducing congestion, enhancing safety and reliability, and improving quality of life for everyone in the region. The 325- mile corridor spans three Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) districts and also acts as a critical north-south backbone of the East Coast’s freight network. Nearly 50% of the state’s value of goods are transported along the corridor, which has the highest per capita truck volume in Virginia1. This study was used as information only and referenced for problems identified during the course of the Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study (EFCTS) project. The I-81 Corridor Improvement Program is advancing independently and will address several problems identified by the public during the EFCTS project. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan is the guide for the future growth of Frederick County. The latest version was adopted on November 10, 2021, by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. Information from this Plan was used as input into this study. 1 VDOT, “What is the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program”, Improve 81, https://improve81.vdot.virginia.gov/ 28 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 9 Serial Title Agency & Year of Publication 1 Northeast Frederick Land Use Plan-Proposed Lane Divide Frederick County, 2022 2 The 2035 Comprehensive Plan Assessment Need Frederick County, 2017 3 Fredrick County Primary & Secondary Road Improvement Plan Frederick County, 2022 4 VDOT Staunton District Planning-2019 VDOT, 2019 5 North Winchester Area Safety and Operational Analysis Report WinFred MPO, 2020 6 Route 7 STARS Corridor Study VDOT, 2021 7 US-522 Realignment Study NSVRC/WinFred MPO, 2022 8 2035 Virginia Surface Transportation Plan VDOT, 2010 9 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan WinFred MPO, 2022 11 Frederick County ArcGIS REST Services Frederick County 12 PSI Top 100 Segments and Intersections VDOT, 2023 Table 1: Studies and Other References Reviewed Potential Sites Identified by Other Studies There are multiple simultaneous efforts and studies occurring within Frederick County as captured in Table 1. To gain a complete picture of the areas of concern in the County and what has been studied to date, these items were all evaluated. Table 2 shows the sites in the study area with potential improvement scopes or known transportation issues as reported in prior studies. It also shows whether they were noted by stakeholders, the road classification, and if they were identified as a Potentially Safety Improvement (PSI) intersection or segment according to VDOT based on crash data from 2018 to 2022. Of the top roads in Table 2, US 11/Martinsburg Pike has been discussed for both operational and safety improvements via widening and I-81 interchange reconfiguration. The second project has been studied for installing partial median U-turn intersections and US 17/50 widening. Notable plans tested or considered for the remaining roads include Redbud Road realignment, realigning US 522 near US 50 to mitigate congestion, and adding turn lanes at the intersection of Senseny Road and Crestleigh Drive. 29 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 10 Location Studies Covered Noted by Stakeholders 2050 V/C >1 Major Collector Improved Major Collector Minor Collector Improved Minor Collector Minor Arterial PSI Intersections PSI Segment US-11/ Martinsburg Pike 8 12 ✓✓6 I-81 Exit 313 Bridge/ Millwood Pike/US 50 7 10 ✓✓3 ✓ I-81 Exit 317 and Redbud Road 6 13 ✓ Route 7/ Berryville Pike 5 12 ✓✓9 ✓ US 522/Front Royal Pike Near US-50 5 3 2 ✓ Snowden Bridge 4 2 ✓ Senseny Road 4 4 ✓✓2 ✓ Warrior Drive 3 3 ✓1 Parkins Mill Road 2 0 ✓ Papermill Road 2 0 ✓ Old Charles Town Road 2 1 ✓✓1 Tasker Road 2 1 ✓✓1 ✓ lnverlee Way Extension 1 0 Getty Lane 1 0 ✓ Valley Mill Road 1 2 ✓ Farmington Boulevard 1 0 ✓ Highcliffe Drive 1 0 ✓ Coverstone Drive 1 0 ✓ Prince Frederick Drive 1 0 ✓ Crossover Blvd 1 1 ✓ Table 2 : Roads That Showed Up in Past Studies | Sources: Frederick County, NSVRC, VDOT, WinFred MPO 30 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 11 Location Studies Covered Noted by Stakeholders 2050 V/C >1 Major Collector Improved Major Collector Minor Collector Improved Minor Collector Minor Arterial PSI Intersections PSI Segment Independence Drive 1 0 ✓ Coldwell Lane 1 0 ✓ White Oak Road 1 1 ✓ Brabant Drive 1 0 ✓ Fox Drive 1 0 East Tevis Street 1 0 Sulphur Spring Road 1 0 North Frederick Pike 1 0 1 ✓ North Pleasant Valley Road 1 0 2 ✓ Greenwood Road 1 3 ✓2 ✓ Martin Drive 0 0 ✓ Macedonia Church Road 0 0 ✓ Table 2 (Continued): Roads That Showed Up in Past Studies | Sources: Frederick County, NSVRC, VDOT, WinFred MPO 31 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 12 Existing Conditions Environmental Overview Demographics & Socioeconomics The Study Area is primarily located within the Urban Development Area (UDA) of Frederick County. To accommodate anti cipated residenti al growth, this porti on of the County has been identi fi ed as the area where more intensive forms of residenti al development will occur. While the UDA currently consists of primarily suburban residenti al types of development, with some multi family units, parti cular areas have been identi fi ed to accommodate a more intensive mix of land uses and residenti al housing opportuniti es.2 Due to the suburban-style of development within the Study Area, the transportati on network is primarily auto-centric. Public transit is currently unavailable within Frederick County; however, the County has recently parti cipated in the Winchester/Frederick County (WinFred) Metropolitan Planning Organizati on (MPO) Transit Feasibility Study to determine how this can be improved. Dedicated bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure are currently limited within the study area as well; however, are encouraged in the Comprehensive Plan for new development and retrofi ts where logical. Goal 1 in the Community Benefi ts Secti on of the Comprehensive Plan is “to promote the development of new roadways and the redevelopment of existi ng roadways in a manner that makes them open, available, and safe to all modes of transportati on.” Regarding parks access, another goal is “to have every resident of Frederick County’s UDA within walking or biking distance of a recreati on area.” These goals illustrate the sincere commitment by the County to increase walking and biking in their community. According to the Comprehensive Plan, Frederick County has grown signifi cantly in the past two decades in both populati on and economic development. One of the contributors to the County’s populati on growth was the migrati on of people from inside of the Washington Metropolitan Stati sti cal Area (WMSA) to Frederick County for a higher quality of life including lower housing costs and a lower tax rate. Frederick County, because of its locati on and excellent access to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., has become a desirable place to live for those commuters. Frederick County has also become an att racti ve place to live for reti rees. The UDA should allow for housing that will meet the needs of fi rst-ti me buyers, reti rees, move-up residents, and seniors.3 2 Frederick County, “Residenti al Development: Current Conditi ons”, Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 3 Frederick County, “Residenti al Development: Focus for the Future”, Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 32 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 13 Means of Transportati on to Work Percent Drove Alone 81.10% Carpooled 8.80% Public Transportati on (Excluding TaxiCab) 0.30% Walked 1.10% Bicycle 0.10% Taxicab, Motorcycle, or Other Means 0.80% Worked From Home 7.80% Table 3: Frederick County Journey to Work Source: American Census Survey 2021 107,115 151,408 93,000 55,796 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 2015 2040 Figure 2: Combined Projected Growth | Source: WinFred MPO Trasnsportati on Plan 2040 200,000 People Jobs While the Comprehensive Plan does not state projected numbers for the total populati on or jobs in 2035, the WinFred MPO shared combined projecti ons for the City of Winchester and Frederick County in their Transportati on Plan 2040 (see Figure 2). Growth in populati on and employment will conti nue to place signifi cant demands on the transportati on system. As stated in the Comprehensive Plan, studies performed by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) have shown that Frederick County remains primarily an in-commute locati on. Frederick County is also home to a large populati on of residents that commute out of the County for employment. According to the U.S. Census, 89.90% of County workers aged 16 years and over drive to work with an average commute ti me of 33 minutes, compared to 75% of Virginian workers aged 16 years and over with an average commute ti me of 25 minutes. See Table 3 for the means of transportati on uti lized to travel to work in Frederick County. 33 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 14 According to the US Census Bureau On The Map tool: • 31,895 people live within Frederick County but are employed outside of the County. • 18,810 people are employed within Frederick County, but live outside of the County. • 9,460 people are employed and live within Frederick County. Figure 3: Workers in Frederick County | Source: US Census Bureau, On the Map Refer to Figure 3 for a depiction of where workers who are employed in Frederick County live. 34 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 15 Figure 4: Frederick County Low-Income Populations | Source: US EPA EJScreen Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Environmental Justice Screen (EJScreen), low-income populations (see Figure 4) and populations over the age of 64 (see Figure 5) were analyzed. EJScreen uses American Community Survey (ACS) 2021 5-year estimate data. The low-income populations and populations over the age of 64 in Frederick County were compared to Virginia state. The state percentile signifies what percent of the state population has an equal or lower value, meaning a lower percent low- income or population over age of 64. 35 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 16 Figure 5: Frederick County Populations Over 64 | Source: US EPA EJScreen Owning and maintaining a car costs about $12,000 annually4. That means it would make up nearly a third of the household budget for a family of four living right at the poverty line. Populations over the age of 65 include individuals with a wide range of needs and abilities. Many seniors experience physical or financial limitations that prevent them from owning and operating a vehicle while also experiencing an increased need for medical services. Seniors are significant users of human service transportation. In the Comprehensive Plan, a strategy to increase cost-effective alternatives to vehicles includes coordinating with existing agencies such as the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging (SAAA) and Access Independence to better accommodate seniors. Natural Resources An important component of reviewing transportation alternatives is the analysis of impacted natural resources. This can help guide the alternatives process and identify less impactful solutions. 4 American Automobile Association, Your Driving Costs, 2023 36 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 17 Layer Source Metadata or Service URL 1. Existing County Parks Frederick County VA GIS https://fredcogis.fcva.us/maps/rest/services/ FC_Planning/Planning_CIP/MapServer/3 2. Streams https://fredcogis.fcva.us/maps/rest/services/ FC_GIS/FrederickCountyGIS/MapServer/23 3. Ponds https://fredcogis.fcva.us/maps/rest/services/ FC_GIS/FrederickCountyGIS/MapServer/25 4. Lakes https://fredcogis.fcva.us/maps/rest/services/ FC_GIS/FrederickCountyGIS/MapServer/24 5. Floodplains https://fredcogis.fcva.us/maps/rest/services/ FC_GIS/FrederickCountyGIS/MapServer/20 6. Community Park https://fredcogis.fcva.us/maps/rest/services/ FC_Planning/Planning_CIP/MapServer/4 7. Park Trails https://fredcogis.fcva.us/maps/rest/services/ FC_Planning/Planning_CIP/MapServer/6 8. Conservation Easement https://fredcogis.fcva.us/maps/rest/services/ FC_GIS/FrederickCountyGIS/MapServer/34 9. Wetlands US Fish & Wildlife Web Mapping Services https://fwspublicservices.wim.usgs.gov/wet- landsmapservice/rest/services/Wetlands/Map- Server/0 10. Human Geography Basemap ESRI https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.htm- l?id=3582b744bba84668b52a16b0b6942544 Table 4: Natural Resources Native Source Data The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the USEPA are the federal agencies which regulate watercourses (streams) as governed by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) administers the Virginia Water Protection (VWP) permit program to regulate impacts to surface waters. To protect water quality, VADEQ is also tasked with protecting wetlands and streams to preserve their beneficial uses. The VWP permit program follows Section 62 of the Code of Virginia and federal guidelines under the Clean Water Act Section 401. The identification of watercourses/streams identified in the study area are depicted in Table 4. These layers were imported into a custom webmap that was created for this project to provide many of the graphics in this report. Streams in the study area include Opequon Creek, Lick Run, Ash Hollow Run, Redbud Run, Abrams Creek, Hoge Run, Buffalo Lick Run, Sulphur Spring Run, Wrights Run, and their tributaries. Many of these streams would be impacted by the construction of the Route 37 bypass or the alternatives included in this report. To avoid impacts to streams and floodplains, almost one mile of bridges would be required for the proposed projects (5,736 linear feet). Most of the impacts from bridges are on the northern and southern 37 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 18 Figure 6: Natural Resources | Source: Frederick County, Virginia Open Source Date sections of the Route 37 bypass alignment. Measures can be researched during the preliminary engineering phase of these projects to mitigate these effects. Examples of best management practices are retaining walls, using box or pipe culverts where possible, steepening of bank slopes, and usage of wingwalls or abutments to decrease the footprint. Due to the quantity of streams in the study area, wetland impacts would also be anticipated. Using the existing Geographic Information System (GIS) layers available, a minimum of about 5 acres (about twice the area of a Manhattan city block) of wetland impacts are anticipated. Wetland delineation occurs as part of the preliminary engineering process for each project. If temporary wetland impacts occur, they would be restored to pre- construction conditions, succeeding construction, to the maximum extent possible. This would include re-seeding, soil segregation, wetland mapping, and use of sediment/silt rocks. If permanent impacts are unavoidable, mitigation will include the replacement of the wetland within the applicable watershed. Additional natural resources were considered during our analysis as shown in Table 4 on the previous page and in Figure 6 on this page. 38 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 19 Land Use and Planning The study utilized the WinFred current travel demand model (2015 base year) and updated demographic forecasts for the ongoing VDOT model update (to 2020 base year) to get the most accurate information available for the timeframe of the study. The network and traffic analysis zones (TAZs) structure was also modified to include roadway improvements through 2019. In addition, updated future year demographics were used to create a 2050 future year for this analysis. All results should be validated once the travel demand model update is complete from VDOT. Traffic Analyses Data collection and analysis efforts focused on using existing available traffic data, including current and future projections (generally a 20-year horizon). No additional traffic counts were completed as part of the study. Traffic generated by new and pending development within, or that influence the transportation network in the study area, was included in the updated demographic forecasts used in the model. The traffic model used 2019 as the base year and forecasted traffic volumes in 2050. Overall growth in vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) between 2019 and 2050 is 1.7% using a linear growth rate. This growth aligns with that in households (1.2% per year) and external traffic (1.8% per year). The study area was broken up into TAZs and an analysis was completed to determine what the existing and future traffic patterns look like between these zones. This analysis is included in the report in detail. Another aspect of the analysis was to look at volume to capacity (V/C) ratios. V/C ratios provide a measurement of how well a facility can accommodate traffic. For instance, a ratio of 0 indicates free flow traffic and a ratio of 1 or greater indicates severe congestion. Level of service (LOS) is another metric used to describe traffic flow used to symbolize the quality of traffic services. It is used to examine highways by categorizing traffic flow and allocating quality levels based on performances like speed, density, delay and many more. The key to an effective LOS is the ability of a transportation system to provide safe and reliable service for its users. LOS ranges from A (best quality of traffic/free flow of traffic) to F (worst quality of traffic/breakdown of traffic flow). Frederick County ordinance requires a minimum LOS C for transportation impact analyses (TIAs) for new development. 39 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 20 Variable 2019 2050 Population 119,846 167,159 Households 48,485 67,063 Workers 64,562 87,110 Vehicles 97,955 131,849 High Traffic Retail Employment 7,152 9,487 Industrial Employment 16,560 25,265 Office Employment 5,422 6,786 Retail Employment 6,062 8,151 Service Employment 19,734 26,849 Employment 54,930 83,410 Table 5: Zonal Demographic Totals | Source: MPO Existing Traffic Existing problem areas and challenges were evaluated based on V/C ratios from the calibrated 2019 travel demand model and updated with anecdotal information and information from VDOT and Streetlight validation. Streetlight uses big data analytics to estimate travel patterns between geometric zones. Future Traffic Projections Updating 2015 Model The regional travel demand model, as provided by VDOT for this study, was modified to include a 2019 and 2050 set of model years. The newest demographic data (recently updated by the County) was used with the existing VDOT model so that results were as accurate as possible. VDOT is undertaking a more robust update of the entire model, but it was not yet available for this study. Results from this study can be validated against that update in the future. The zonal data based on new zone splits the MPO has developed is shown in Table 5. The new zonal splits are shown in Figure 7 on the following page. The external station volumes for 2019 were set to be equal to available count data from VDOT. 2050 external station forecasts were developed by applying the 2015 to 2040 MPO annual growth rates to the 2019 count data. The EFCTS Traffic Study area encompasses the eastern half of the WinFred Regional Travel Demand Model. The model zones that are part of the study area are shown in Figure 7. The 2015 roadway network was used to create the 2019 network. The primary change included updating the network to reflect recent projects that have been completed in the region. The only new roadway connection (completed between 2015 and 2019) added was Crossover Boulevard. 40 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 21 Figure 7: Changes in Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs) | Source: Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP (WRA) Roadway Type Percent Error 2015 2019 Target Freeway 3 3.6 +/-7 Major Arterial -2.1 8.8 +/- 10 Minor Arterial -4.7 18.9 +/- 15 Collector & Local 2.7 22.5 +/- 20 Total 2 6.34 +/- 5 Table 6: Percent Error by Roadway Type Source: VDOT Volume Group Percent RMSE 2015 2019 Target 0 - 5000 29.09 38.2 100 5000 - 10000 25.36 38.2 45 10000 - 20000 19 64 17.2 35 20000 - 50000 6.81 11 8 27 Total 19.12 18.4 40 Table 7: Percent RMSE by Volume Group Source: VDOT Validating 2019 Model To make sure the model was performing as expected, the 2019 model results were evaluated against 2019 counts from VDOT’s database. The percentage error by roadway type and percent root mean square error (RMSE) by volume group were calculated and compared against the documented 2015 model validation results. Table 6 reports the percent error by roadway type. The target or criterion is based on the VDOT Travel Model Policy Guidelines. Table 7 reports the percent RMSE calculated by volume group with the assigned target or criterion as established by VDOT. 41 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 22 Table 8: VMT by Facility Type | Source: WRA Facility Type 2019 2050 Interstate 1 1,438,063 2,233,955 Minor Freeway 2 244,691 413,828 Primary Arterial 4 936,733 1,410,431 Major Arterial 5 541,897 800,128 Minor Arterial 6 697,129 1,133,993 Major Collector 7 130,600 197,644 Minor Collector 8 249,523 395,627 Ramp 10 91,349 122,719 Centroid Connector 11 419,922 581,949 External 12 210,209 348,358 TOTAL 4,960,116 7,638,632 The 2019 model meets the validation targets by volume group and by percent error by roadway type for freeways and major arterials. Because the 2019 zonal data has changed significantly from the past model inputs, a change in validation results is anticipated. Given the ability to meet several of the criteria as established by VDOT for the region and on higher level facilities, the model is considered suitable for the evaluation included in this study. Model Results Overall growth in VMT between 2019 and 2050 is 1.7% using a linear growth rate. This growth aligns with that in households (1.2% per year) and external traffic (1.8% per year). Table 8 provides a summary of the VMT by facility type for the two model years. Origin-Destination Trip Volumes On the following page, Figure 8 shows the district map used for the traffic analyses and estimates the origin-destination matrix within and bordering Frederick County. Districts 15 through 19 are the five external districts. Tables 9 through 12 on the following pages show the district-to-district trip volumes and the ranking of the origin-destination pairs for 2022 and 2050. The highest zone to zone totals were used to establish needs within the study area. Table 9 displays the model outcomes for origin-destination trip volumes in 2022, while Table 10 ranks the matrix cells based on those volumes. The top two highest origin- destination pairs are between Central Business District (CBD) zones 7 and 8. Following closely, between 15 and 16, are the next two highest pairs, located outside the north and south boundaries of the county, largely due to through traffic on I-81. Additionally, residential districts 2 and 4 show high trip volumes to and from CBD zones 7 and 8. Tables 11 and 12 serve as companions to Tables 9 and 10, focusing on data for 2050. Interestingly, there are few changes in the ranking matrix, as all the district pairs that were top ranked in 2022 remain at the top in 2050. Among the other district pairs, the traffic growth (not shown in the tables) between districts 3 and 7 and 9 and 8 are notable. 42 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 23 Figure 8: Frederick County District Map | Source: WRA 43 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 24 1 - 10 Highest Trip Pairs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1 -3,151 668 920 343 1,833 6,131 4,092 615 334 556 359 141 238 729 299 143 1,335 131 2 3,138 -1,735 1,139 291 755 10,159 9,326 589 104 404 237 70 99 196 264 368 2,568 119 3 657 1,732 -1,976 631 360 2,438 3,162 628 105 253 352 103 130 121 212 622 250 96 4 902 1,123 1,976 -4,049 445 4,371 9,937 2,552 103 307 286 130 111 364 1,123 408 615 361 5 333 282 630 4,049 -174 1,540 3,408 1,849 39 108 108 61 43 120 586 102 192 139 6 1,841 769 360 439 174 -3,786 2,190 371 398 587 255 75 186 590 226 93 266 90 7 6,139 10,156 2,395 4,348 1,526 3,815 -16,946 3,350 1,344 3,239 2,772 649 1,155 1,992 2,495 1,445 4,276 987 8 4,141 9,299 3,156 9,934 3,405 2,231 17,007 -5,447 664 1,709 2,382 720 710 982 1,889 1,162 1,838 693 9 615 576 618 2,549 1,848 374 3,361 5,450 -106 422 626 381 140 201 926 160 315 186 10 336 107 105 100 37 398 1,341 658 105 -252 122 12 1,060 76 173 54 94 55 11 562 407 240 301 106 589 3,227 1,703 420 252 -799 112 312 164 260 100 233 141 12 366 241 340 282 106 257 2,761 2,382 625 122 799 -161 415 135 310 119 216 171 13 143 72 103 129 61 75 643 720 381 12 112 161 -12 39 71 36 67 24 14 240 103 129 108 41 187 1,151 706 139 1,060 312 415 12 -45 157 48 77 411 15 729 196 121 364 120 590 1,992 982 201 76 164 135 39 45 -15,330 284 735 221 16 299 264 212 1,123 586 226 2,495 1,889 925 173 260 310 71 157 15,323 -236 622 156 17 143 368 622 408 102 93 1,445 1,162 160 54 100 119 36 48 285 236 -102 27 18 1,335 2,568 250 615 192 266 4,276 1,838 315 94 233 216 67 77 735 622 102 -72 19 131 119 96 361 139 90 987 693 186 55 141 171 24 411 221 156 27 72 - Table 9: 2022 District-to-District Trip Volumes | Source: WRA 1 - 10 Highest Trip Pairs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1 -33 105 89 164 60 12 20 121 167 134 162 244 201 97 177 241 71 253 2 34 -61 77 179 94 5 9 127 282 146 202 314 294 217 187 153 37 265 3 108 62 -51 111 160 43 31 113 279 193 163 283 255 261 213 116 196 295 4 90 78 51 -21 135 15 7 39 283 175 180 255 271 156 78 143 121 158 5 168 183 112 21 -225 65 25 55 329 272 272 317 327 263 130 287 219 248 6 57 93 160 136 225 -24 48 152 147 129 192 307 222 125 207 299 185 301 7 11 6 44 16 66 23 -2 28 69 29 35 109 75 49 41 67 17 83 8 19 10 32 8 26 47 1 -14 106 63 45 99 101 85 53 73 58 103 9 121 132 120 40 56 151 27 13 -276 137 114 149 247 215 87 235 169 222 10 166 275 279 291 332 147 70 107 279 -194 259 339 81 305 227 321 297 319 11 133 145 199 176 276 127 30 64 138 194 -91 269 171 231 189 291 205 244 12 155 198 165 183 276 191 36 45 115 259 91 -233 139 251 173 265 211 229 13 241 309 283 257 317 307 110 99 149 339 269 233 -339 329 312 333 315 337 14 199 283 257 272 328 221 76 102 248 81 171 139 339 -325 237 323 303 141 15 97 217 261 156 263 125 49 85 215 305 231 251 329 325 -3 182 95 209 16 177 187 213 78 130 207 41 53 88 227 189 173 312 237 4 -203 116 239 17 241 153 116 143 287 299 67 73 235 321 291 265 333 323 181 203 -287 335 18 71 37 196 121 219 185 17 58 169 297 205 211 315 303 95 116 287 -309 19 253 265 295 158 248 301 83 103 222 319 244 229 337 141 209 239 335 309 - Table 10: 2022 District-to-District Trip Volumes Ranking | Source: WRA 44 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 25 1 - 10 Highest Trip Pairs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1 -35 91 82 159 56 12 28 96 216 128 190 258 233 61 103 255 67 225 2 36 -47 75 198 83 6 9 107 294 150 234 316 300 135 123 192 26 239 3 92 48 -43 119 144 39 31 111 279 197 179 274 265 172 131 121 160 243 4 84 78 44 -13 117 21 7 37 283 183 198 253 273 89 49 188 101 145 5 164 203 120 13 -214 79 51 65 327 271 281 314 325 200 87 305 221 237 6 55 81 143 118 213 -34 60 134 170 130 196 287 232 73 139 303 167 259 7 11 5 40 22 80 33 -1 42 99 45 63 180 112 19 15 93 17 85 8 25 10 32 8 52 59 2 -24 162 76 71 157 151 53 29 105 57 97 9 95 110 114 38 66 133 41 23 -275 171 125 174 249 141 69 261 165 217 10 215 293 280 287 328 169 100 163 278 -223 294 341 108 251 203 329 291 319 11 127 149 206 186 272 129 46 77 174 223 -115 297 207 183 147 309 219 245 12 187 229 182 202 282 195 64 71 126 294 115 -261 192 211 137 307 227 235 13 257 313 275 253 314 286 181 158 174 341 297 261 -339 317 287 337 321 333 14 229 297 266 277 326 229 113 152 250 108 207 191 339 -284 209 331 301 155 15 61 135 172 89 200 73 19 53 141 251 183 211 317 284 -3 248 178 267 16 103 123 131 49 87 139 15 29 69 203 147 137 287 209 3 -241 153 269 17 255 192 121 188 305 303 93 105 261 329 309 307 337 331 245 241 -311 335 18 67 26 160 101 221 167 17 57 165 291 219 227 321 301 177 153 311 -323 19 225 239 243 145 237 259 85 97 217 319 245 235 333 155 267 269 335 323 - Table 11: 2050 District-to-District Trip Volumes | Source: WRA 1 - 10 Highest Trip Pairs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1 -4,878 1,403 1,781 634 3,217 8,656 5,579 1,286 379 871 496 192 310 2,899 1,203 197 2,624 325 2 4,850 -3,677 2,024 423 1,760 13,830 10,965 1,160 125 678 306 83 120 793 943 450 5,663 264 3 1,376 3,672 -3,766 1,022 739 4,414 5,178 1,102 146 428 571 150 182 578 851 1,007 631 233 4 1,734 1,994 3,763 -7,023 1,033 6,344 12,471 4,427 136 517 423 198 154 1,416 3,660 501 1,231 727 5 613 409 1,020 7,023 -390 1,844 3,454 2,713 48 166 140 84 54 419 1,657 107 339 265 6 3,238 1,787 742 1,030 394 -5,044 2,971 821 592 857 442 131 312 2,070 759 114 603 188 7 8,661 13,831 4,352 6,291 1,816 5,099 -21,843 4,139 1,251 3,728 2,831 562 1,089 6,370 6,830 1,362 6,786 1,671 8 5,667 10,934 5,167 12,456 3,446 3,029 21,842 -5,876 618 2,006 2,215 645 672 3,349 5,472 1,182 3,180 1,266 9 1,301 1,127 1,082 4,423 2,712 831 4,152 5,886 -149 579 918 576 210 754 2,605 185 609 375 10 382 128 145 131 46 593 1,249 615 147 -335 125 13 1,128 204 409 44 130 80 11 879 685 406 506 163 861 3,719 2,000 576 335 -1,046 124 404 517 697 93 371 231 12 503 313 552 417 138 446 2,824 2,215 917 125 1,046 -185 450 396 787 105 322 266 13 194 85 149 198 84 133 555 644 576 13 124 185 -14 82 131 22 71 27 14 313 124 180 148 52 313 1,086 669 209 1,128 404 451 14 -134 401 42 116 649 15 2,899 793 578 1,416 419 2,070 6,370 3,349 754 204 517 396 82 134 -14,674 230 572 176 16 1,203 943 851 3,660 1,657 759 6,830 5,472 2,605 409 697 787 131 401 14,674 -260 659 169 17 197 450 1,007 501 107 114 1,362 1,182 185 44 93 105 22 42 231 260 -92 24 18 2,624 5,663 631 1,231 339 603 6,786 3,180 609 130 371 322 71 116 573 659 92 -63 19 325 264 233 727 265 188 1,671 1,266 375 80 231 266 27 649 176 169 24 63 - Table 12: 2050 District-to-District Trip Volume Ranking | Source: WRA 45 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 26 Figure 9: WinFred Regional TAZs Within the Study Area | Source: WRA 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Figure 10: Trip Percentages from District 3 | Source: Streetlight Data and WinFred Model Streetlight WinFred Model Refer to Figure 9 for the regional travel demand model zones within the study area. Comparison with Streetlight Data The model results of district-to-district trip distributi on were compared with those obtained from Streetlight data. To illustrate with an example, Figure 10 shows the percentages of trips from District 3 to all the districts according to the Streetlight data and the WinFred model. It shows that, with some excepti ons, the percentages correspond well between the model and Streetlight data for most districts. 46 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 27 Figure 11: Locations Where V/C (LOS D) Ratio 0.85 ≥ in 2050 | Source: WRA Capacity / LOS Analysis The maximum flow rate at LOS D and E for different road types are estimated based on the Highway Capacity Manual. The model converts daily productions and attractions into trips from origins to destinations by four time periods: AM (6:00 a.m. – 8:59 a.m.), Midday, PM (3:00 p.m. – 5:59 p.m.), and Night. The time-of-day factors are applied by period, and simultaneously convert production-attraction flows to origin-destination flows by time of day. The peak hour V/C ratio is then estimated to highlight the segments and intersections that are critical in terms of traffic operations. Figure 11 shows the locations where the V/C ratio would exceed 0.85 (LOS D or worse) in 2050. 47 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 28 Safety Analysis The road safety aspect of this project was analyzed from three perspectives. The first one identified locations that are predicted to experience high traffic demand in 2050, which may pose safety issues. The second focused on safety issues for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. The third perspective looked at freight-related accidents on I-81 to determine the potential impact of diversion of truck traffic to other routes. Archived crash data from VDOT was utilized for the analysis. Sites with Potential Safety Issues and High Future Traffic Demand The capacity analysis previously discussed identified areas with a high future V/C ratio. This information was then combined with data from VDOT on PSI locations. These PSI locations are determined by VDOT through network screening using safety performance functions (SPFs) that consider crash history, roadway factors, and traffic characteristics to prioritize areas for safety investments. Figure 12 maps out the top 100 PSI segments and intersections for the years 2018-2022 highlighting segments with V/C ratios above 0.85 predicted for 2050. The map highlights six locations where both top PSI intersections or segments and V/C values greater than 0.85 intersect. These locations are listed below in sequence corresponding to the numerals on the map. • Route 7 near I-81: There are several top PSI intersections, a top PSI segment, and the predicted V/C is between 0.85 and 1.0. • Route 7 (Woods Mills to Clarke County Line): There is a top PSI intersection and segment as well as a predicted V/C between 1.0 and 1.5. • Greenwood Road south of Valley Mill Road: There is a top PSI intersection, and the predicted V/C is between 1.0 and 1.5. • Senseny Road between Meade Drive and Williamson Road: There are a pair of top PSI intersections that overlap with the predicted V/C on Senseny Road between 1.0 and 1.5. • US 17/50 (Millwood Pike) and US 522 (Front Royal Pike): The intersection is associated with and close to several top PSI segments and intersections. The V/C of Millwood Pike and the I-81 northbound ramp is between 1.0 and 1.5. 48 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 29 Figure 12: Top 100 PSI Intersections & Segments (2018-2022) & Locations Where the V/C (LOS D) Ratio ≥ 0.85 in 2050 | Source: VDOT • Greenwood Road north of Sulphur Spring Road: The long segment is a top PSI with the predicted V/C between 0.85 and 1.0. • Airport Road and US 522 (Front Royal Pike): This intersection is a top PSI and the predicted V/C of the east approach is between 0.85 and 1.0. Earlier, some of these six locations were discussed for potential capacity improvements. The above observations highlight that they need to be considered for safety improvements alongside operational treatments. Vulnerable Road User Safety Pedestrian and bicycle crashes are less common than crashes involving only motorized vehicles, but they tend to be more severe. A total of six bicycle and eight pedestrian- involved crashes occurred within the study area between 2017 and 2021. Regarding bicycle crashes, Route 7 and Senseny Road each had a cluster of crash pairs located within 49 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 30 1,200 feet, although there was no apparent pattern or significant clustering. Pedestrian- involved crashes showed more clustering. Six of the eight crashes occurred within a half- mile radius from the intersection of US 522 (Front Royal Pike), US 17/50, and the I-81 ramps at Exit 313A, as shown in Figure 13. As is common for pedestrian crashes, most of them resulted in serious injuries. The land use pattern of the portion of US 17/50 and US 522 shown in Figure 13 is noteworthy in that the north side of US 17/50 has seven hotels and university housing, while the south side has approximately 10 convenience stores and restaurants. The land use on the two sides of US 522 is somewhat similar. Additionally, these road sections coincide with top PSI segments and intersections identified from 2018 to 2022. Significant pedestrian exposure to traffic is expected on both roads, however, there are very limited pedestrian amenities (sidewalks or crosswalks) present on either road within the extent of the map. These conditions make this area a candidate for further investigations regarding pedestrian safety. Figure 13: Clustering of Pedestrian-Related Crashes Near I-81 Ramps at MM 313A, US 522, US 17/50 | Source: VDOT 50 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 31 Freight Accident Analysis The purpose of this analysis was to identify time-based patterns of freight accidents on the interstate route that may suggest the diversion of truck traffic to local roads. The analysis was motivated by the public’s concern about truck traffic on I-81 being diverted to local roads due to congestion on I-81. The portion of I-81 within the study area is a major freight route, with more than 20% of daily traffic consisting of trucks. Accident data for trucks and other vehicles by time of day were used for this analysis. As such, a preliminary analysis was completed to see if there was any indication of increased truck exposure on the local roads during peak hours. Analysis of accident data by time of day showed that the percentage of truck accidents occurring during peak hours is higher on I-81 than on other major local routes like Route 37. According to recent crash data, 24% of truck accidents on I-81 occurred during peak hours. On Route 37, the distribution is more uniform, with 16% of truck accidents occurring during peak hours. For the overall city of Winchester, this percentage is 20%. The pattern suggests that there is no indication of increased truck diversion from I-81 to local roads during peak hours. Additional analysis could be completed in the future if public concerns continue to be voiced. 51 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 32 Project Needs Given the nature of the study area, a specific point was made to identify problems throughout as opposed to focusing solely on the original Route 37 Bypass study and EIS statements. It was also desired to determine if any of the original segments of the Route 37 Bypass had logical termini and independent utility and would effectively address any of the problems now and in the future that were found in the problem assessment phase of the study. To create the purpose and needs statements, an evaluation of the most recent studies and existing comprehensive plan was completed. Additionally, conversations with staff at Frederick County Planning and VDOT helped to provide context and frame these statements. A review of the PSI segments and intersections was also conducted, and the needs statements reflect improvements proposed in that list. A thorough region wide travel demand model analysis was completed to determine areas of traffic growth in 2050, and origin and destination of these trip pairs as noted earlier in the report. Bicycle/Pedestrian As indicated in the 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update5, the existing bicycle network lacks infrastructure and 62% of roadways have LOS D (adequate for advanced riders) or worse. The pedestrian results showed that 60% of the network was either deemed adequate or adequate but not likely used for choice users (people who prefer to use walking as their primary mode of transportation). With land development since 2014, it is likely that bicycle and pedestrian needs have only increased since this time and linkages are desired to regional parks, schools, and commercial development. Congestion Virginia State Route 7 between the Frederick/Clarke County line and the City of Winchester is the major link between Frederick County and destinations in Northern Virginia. Volumes from the STARS study in 2017 indicate that the average daily traffic (ADT) on this corridor is projected to reach 40,800 vehicles per day (VPD) by 2047. There is a current SMART SCALE project aimed at improving safety and traffic flow on Route 7 between Route 815/ Millbrook Drive/Blossom Drive and Route 656/First Woods Drive/Greenwood Drive; however, additional segments have been identified in the PSI. In addition, two segments of Route 7 within the study area fall within the 1.5 > V/C > 1. 5 NSVRC, WinFred MPO, Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update 52 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 33 • The intersection of I-81 Exit 317 and Route 11 is the most congested intersection in the Staunton District and is currently being redesigned as a diverging diamond interchange. Additionally, improved connectivity is needed between Route 7 and Route 11 to alleviate congestion. • Development in the area near the airport along both the Route 50 and Route 522 corridors has the potential to create congestion issues in the future, both at Exit 313 and at intersections along both corridors and the intersection with Crossover Boulevard. The extension of Crossover Boulevard to US 17/50 has been identified in the Frederick County Comprehensive Plan as an important connection and will offer improved access to the Virginia Inland Port. • Large-scale residential land development on the study area’s southern end uses Warrior Drive and Tasker Road to access I-81 and Route 37. Additional interstate or state route connectivity from Warrior Drive is critical to continue residential development in this area and relieve congestion on Tasker Road. The Comprehensive plan includes a proposed link to extend Warrior Drive to the proposed Route 37 alignment as a potential solution to redistribute traffic in this area. Safety Upon reviewing the VDOT crash data from 2017-2021 and the Top PSI intersections it also becomes apparent that there is a significant safety issue on Route 7. • Since 2017, there have been 206 reportable crashes in the 3.76-mile stretch of roadway on Route 7 between the City of Winchester and the Frederick/Clarke County line. The 1.28-mile segment between Greenwood Road and Valley Mill Road has been identified as the #7 top PSI priority by VDOT statewide. A SMART SCALE project is in the design phase to add capacity and reduce conflict points to a 0.52-mile segment of roadway in this crash cluster area, but this project only addresses a portion of the study area. • The VA 7 and US 11 corridors have two of the more prominent crash histories, including significant numbers of fatal and injury (FI) crashes. • ADT on Route 7 Eastbound6: 14,000 VPD; Route 7 Westbound: 14,000 VPD; Total Crashes = 735; FI = 176 6 ArcGIS, VDOT, https://vdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?layers=a8da35dd9ce54993b25f64487c3717ec 53 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 34 • ADT on Route 11 Northbound7: 14,000 VPD; Route 11 Southbound: 14,000 VPD; Total Crashes = 347; FI = 71 • The study area includes 24 intersections and 15 segments in the Statewide VDOT 2017- 2021 Top 100 PSI list. • Six of the 15 segments are located on Route 7: • Begin milepost (MP) 1.75, end MP 2.00: Total Crashes = 23; FI = 8 (VDOT District Rank 26) • Begin MP 2.10, end MP 2.26: Total Crashes = 52; FI = 10 (VDOT District Rank 2) • Begin MP 2.26, end MP 2.51: Total Crashes = 16; FI = 3 (VDOT District Rank 60) • Begin MP 2.51, end MP 2.82: Total Crashes = 21; FI = 6 (VDOT District Rank 13) • Begin MP 2.82, end MP 3.26: Total Crashes = 17; FI = 3 (VDOT District Rank 94) • Begin MP 3.48, end MP 4.76: Total Crashes = 59; FI = 14 (VDOT District Rank 7) – improvements to this segment have been committed in the Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP), with construction completed in 2026. I-81 Needs – Identified in the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan: • While not specifically identified in the I-81 CIP and outside of the study area, improvements are warranted at the intersection of I-81 Exit 307 to address safety and congestion. A project Pipeline study has been completed at this interchange to identify cost effective solutions to address safety and congestion concerns. • Recent improvements were completed at the I-81 and Route 37 interchange at Exit 310. The installation of a changeable message sign (CMS) is proposed as a safety measure. • Safety and congestion are an issue at the I-81 and Route 50 interchange at Exit 313. CMSs are proposed at this interchange, however that does not address the existing congestion issue. • Widening I-81 to three lanes between Exits 313 and 317 (both Northbound and Southbound) was recommended for funding. 7 ArcGIS, VDOT, https://vdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?layers=a8da35dd9ce54993b25f64487c3717ec 54 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 35 • The addition of an auxiliary lane is a recommended improvement between Exits 313 and 315. • The addition of traffic cameras was recommended at Exit 317. • A design concept was created for a diverging diamond interchange at Exit 317 to address congestion and safety (this is a funded project). The purpose and needs statements were included in a survey for public input and presented at a public meeting, and the results are discussed in the following section. 55 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 36 Agency & Public Engagement The overall goal of the PEP was to: • Heighten public awareness and understanding of the project • Identify and purposefully engage key stakeholders in the project development process • Provide public access to current and accurate project information • Deliver timely responses to public inquiries • Assimilate public views, preferences, and support for project outcomes that enhance mobility, safety, and efficiency The McCormick Taylor project team collaborated with VDOT, Frederick County, the City of Winchester, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) and the WinFred MPO over the course of this project. Bi-weekly project status meetings were conducted with Frederick County, and project status reports, including PowerPoint presentations, were regularly delivered to the Frederick County Transportation Committee by the McCormick Taylor consultant team Project Managers, Brian St. John, P.E., PTOE, and Alexandra Castrechini, P.E. The communications protocols and public outreach practices utilized for this project were developed to align with VDOT’s Governance Document Public Involvement Manual (revised November 2021). The draft Public Engagement Plan (PEP) was shared with the public for review and comment and presented to Frederick County for implementation approval. PEP Overview The PEP for the EFCTS project outlines the comprehensive, proactive outreach strategy implemented during the project. As part of the project development process, Frederick County aimed to have clear, accurate, and regular communications with the public, including project stakeholders, public officials, and the media, as appropriate. Their goal was to effectively plan and implement engagement opportunities to dialogue with stakeholders and collect project-related public input and feedback. 56 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 37 Figure 14: Disadvantaged Communities | Source: Climate and EJScreen The PEP was updated over the course of the project to reflect the actual strategies and activities implemented and includes documentation of modifications made to be responsive to public needs. A primary first step in the implementation of the PEP was to identify the demographics of the population in the vicinity of the project area. This step included the use of the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. For the varying perspectives to be considered, it was important to identify the disadvantaged communities, populations of color, and low- income communities at the earliest possible time in project development (Figures 14 and 15). Additional information on identified low-income communities can be found in the Appendix. Historically, these groups have been unintentionally left out of the planning and project development process for transportation projects. Early identification and specific strategies to reach and be inclusive of disadvantaged communities can help improve transportation project outcomes that will benefit the broader community while also minimizing potential harm from a project. 57 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 38 Figure 15: Populations of Color | Source: US EPA EJScreen Stakeholder Identification McCormick Taylor and Frederick County worked together to develop a stakeholder database that could be expanded with the continued progress of the project development process. The database created for this phase of the project included property and business owners, educational institutions, and local, state, and federal elected officials within the project area. The stakeholder database was used primarily for the Community Context Audit (CCA) which is discussed in more detail as part of this section on Page (41). Public Meetings There were three public meetings held in the Frederick County Board of Supervisors’ Room to engage, educate, and inform the public. The timeline of public engagement activities is shown in Figure 16 on the following page. The McCormick Taylor project team received an advance Notice to Proceed (NTP) so the key team members could take part in the Transportation Forum conducted on Thursday, November 10, 2022, which is not shown on 58 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 39 QUARTER 2 QUARTER 3 20242023 JUN.APR.MAY QUARTER 4 QUARTER 1 QUARTER 2 SEPT.JUL.AUG.DEC.OCT.NOV.MAR.JAN.FEB.JUN.APR.MAY PROJECT WEBSITE STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS PUBLIC MEETINGS (2) PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS Figure 16: Public Involvement Acti viti es Schedule | Source: US EPA EJScreen the schedule. The schedule refl ects the offi cial start of the outreach process following the issuance of the full NTP for the study beginning in the second quarter of 2023. As noted previously, an introductory public meeti ng for the EFCTS project was held on November 10, 2022, and provided for a brief introducti on to the planned project, in additi on to an opportunity for the public to express their thoughts, provide feedback, and ask questi ons about the previous Route 37 Bypass project. A paper survey was made available to meeti ng att endees to provide an opportunity for them to provide responses to questi ons on the work already completed, and senti ments on next steps. Eleven completed survey forms were collected before att endees left the meeti ng.ng. z A review of the 11 completed surveys indicated the Route 37 Bypass was sti ll on the minds of the respondents at the meeti ng. Of the 11 respondents, seven stated that they were familiar with the previous Route 37 studies (two were new to the area, and two lived outside of the project area), and 10 respondents said they support County funding for the Route 37 East Project. Copies of the completed surveys are provided in the Appendix. A second public meeti ng was held on November 16, 2023, again as part of the regularly scheduled Fredrick County Transportati on Forum. Assistant Director John Bishop, AICP moderated the meeti ng, and Alex Castrechini, P.E., the McCormick Taylor Project Manager, provided an update on the project status and next steps. Meeti ng att endees were also advised of the availability of the draft PEP for public review and comment, which provided a preview of the planned public outreach strategies for the project. Ms. Castrechini’s PowerPoint presentati on also included a web map developed to visually convey projected traffi c volume data. She explained what the roadway network would look like in 2050 if no improvements were made. Ms. Castrechini shared the results of the CCA and invited the public to review a copy of the report which was available at the project display stati on 59 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 40 81 Draft Bicycle/Pedestrian Needs Draft Purpose Statement 148 Purpose and Needs Statement Surveys Received 28 Additional Comments 139 (95%) agree with statements as presented 8 (5%) disagree with statements as presented 1 did not provide a response Draft Congestion Needs Draft Interstate 81 Needs 79% 78 agree with statements as presented 21% 21 disagree with statements as presented 49 did not provide a response 91% 92 agree with statements as presented 9% 9 disagree with statements as presented 47 did not provide a response 88% 95 agree with statements as presented 12% 13 disagree with statements as presented 40 did not provide a response 86% 104 agree with statements as presented 14% 17 disagree with statements as presented 0 did not provide a response Draft Safety Needs Figure 17: Purpose & Needs Survey Results in the rear of the meeting room. A copy of the PEP, and the CCA summary are included in the Appendix. Of equal importance, Ms. Castrechini reviewed the draft Purpose and Needs statements as part of the presentation. She explained that these statements were developed based on the consultant team analyses. A survey form specific to the Purpose and Needs statements was provided to the meeting attendees to review each of the statements individually, and then provide feedback. Since the survey was extensive and no responses were received the evening of the meeting, an online version was created and released for public use in early December 2023, remaining available until mid-January 2024. The same comment form was also posted on the county website for easy access. A total of 148 surveys were received during the public comment period. The draft Purpose and Needs statements were overwhelmingly accepted as depicted in Figure 17. A copy of the Purpose and Needs Statement Survey and a more detailed summary of the survey results are provided in the Appendix. A third and final public meeting was held on March 14, 2024, at the Frederick County Board of Supervisors Room. This meeting included a presentation of numerous proposed transportation solutions in the form of conceptual designs to be evaluated by the County for more detailed evaluation, analysis, and design. Mr. Brian St. John, P.E., PTOE, presented on behalf of the McCormick Taylor team providing a comprehensive review of the project development process leading up to the proposed transportation solutions, and then reviewed each proposed solution individually. He also 60 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 41 revisited the results of the public feedback received on the Purpose and Needs statements survey noting that 95% of the responses received were in agreement with the Purpose and Needs Statements as presented. Displays of the proposed conceptual designs of the transportation solutions were available for the public to review upon the completion of the presentation. Members of the County, VDOT, and the McCormick Taylor project team were present to interact with the meeting attendees and respond to questions. A meeting summary for the public meetings conducted by the McCormick Taylor project team was prepared for each session held in 2023 and 2024, and copies of the meeting summaries, meeting plans, proposed meeting publicity is included in the Appendix. Community Context Audit McCormick Taylor worked with the County to identify fifteen key stakeholders to be invited to take part in the CCA. The purpose of the CCA was to solicit a sampling of local interests, concerns, and perceptions about transportation within the project area during the early stages of the project development process. The audit was accomplished through an interview process that could be completed using a method of their choice: 1) an in- person interview; 2) a telephone interview; or 3) a Microsoft Teams Conference Call. The interviews allowed the project team to proactively cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, establish points of contact with local organizations and within the business communities, and establish reliable lines of communication to share project updates. The method for the interview was selected by each individual stakeholder and was conducted on a date and at a time set by the interviewee. The interview questions and methods were prepared by the McCormick Taylor project team and reviewed and approved by the County in advance of implementation. Interviews of the key stakeholders began on July 14, 2023, with the initial goal to reach all 15 key stakeholders. Stakeholders were given the option to take the interview at the time of the phone call or to schedule a future date for the interview using the method of their choice as noted previously. Four stakeholders who were contacted did not respond to the invitation to participate in the interview; two interviewees opted for a phone interview; and a total of eight interviewees opted for a Microsoft Teams video interview. All interviews were recorded for accuracy and with advance permission from each interviewee. No one requested an in-person interview 61 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 42 Stakeholders who completed the interview process: Stakeholders who were contacted, but opted out of the interview process:• Larry Oliver, Frederick County Fire and Rescue • Whit Wagner, Fort Collier • Chris Durant, Navy Federal Credit Union • Cynthia Schnieder, Top of VA Chamber • Jeff Buettner, City of Winchester Economic Development Authority • Gray Farland, Shockey Companies • JP Carr, Glaize Development • Nick Sabo, Winchester Regional Airport • Barry Schnoor, Shenandoah University • Patrick Barker, Frederick County Economic Development Authority • Lenny Millholland, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office • Seth Levy, Shenandoah Agency on Aging • Abbey Rembold, Valley Health System • Justin Kerns, Winchester Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau By July 18, 2023, the initial outreach to the stakeholders was completed. With 14 contacts successfully initiated and 10 of the interviews successfully completed, it was determined that the effort made was sufficient. The following information is a summary of the feedback received from the interviewees in total. It is worthy of note that the identified themes below represent the collective opinions of the interviewees. Collective Themes • Alleviating traffic congestion and reducing crashes on I-81 is key to improving mobility in Frederick County. • Traffic congestion and tractor trailers on local roads are caused by drivers avoiding traffic congestion on I-81. 62 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 43 Board of Supervisors Core Value “A government unit based on honesty, trust, integrity, and respect that understands the importance of clear communication and a willingness to listen.” • Traffic congestion on I-81 causes challenges for emergency services to reach emergencies. • There is concern that the roads where development is planned or underway, like in northern Frederick County, are not sufficiently sized for future traffic and that the development will worsen traffic congestion. • Alternative forms of transportation are valued and need to be improved and expanded including walking, biking, and public transit. • Frederick County’s location (proximity to I-81, Virginia Inland Port, Frederick County Regional Airport) is ideal for the warehouse/manufacturing/freight industry, which is resulting in increased truck/tractor trailer traffic. • Roadway infrastructure capacities at present are not enough for the scale and volume of planned developments. • Frederick County is becoming a less affordable place to live, causing people to live further away from their jobs in Frederick County. • Proximity to congested commuter routes has a detrimental impact on housing purchase choices. • Frederick County is becoming a suburb of Washington, D.C. As a result, morning and evening rush hour has worsened, despite an increase in remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic. A copy of the stakeholders list, the interview script, and the CCA Interview Summary which includes additional detail is provided in the Appendix. 63 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 44 Logical Termini, Independent Utility, & Concept Development Logical Termini & Independent Utility Logical termini for project development are defined as rational end points for a transportation improvement and for a review of the environmental impacts from such improvement. Typically, the most common termini are points of major traffic generation, especially intersecting roadways. This is because in most cases, traffic generators determine the size and type of facility being proposed. However, there are also cases where the project improvement is not primarily related to congestion due to traffic generators, and the choice of termini based on these generators may not be appropriate. For projects involving safety improvements, almost any termini (e.g., political jurisdictions, geographical features) can be chosen to correspond to those sections where safety improvements are most needed. The first criterion, that the project connects logical termini and be of sufficient length to address matters on a broad scope, is largely irrelevant due to the limited scope of most safety improvements. Furthermore, even if other safety improvements are needed, the project termini need not be expanded to include these other improvements. The other two criteria still need to be met to choose logical termini: the safety improvements must have independent utility (i.e., they can function as stand- alone improvements without forcing other improvements that may have impacts), and these improvements must not restrict consideration of other reasonably foreseeable transportation improvements (such as major safety improvements in an adjoining section). In addition, environmental requirements must still be met. For this project, improvements were evaluated in the entire study area for the EFCTS project and attempted to consider all additional studies that had been or were in process in the development of logical transportation improvements listed in the matrix of potential projects. Projects must have independent utility meaning they must be usable and be a reasonable expenditure even if no additional transportation improvements are made. The original Route 37 bypass was considered, in addition to other projects that will be covered on the following pages. 64 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 45 Original Route 37 Bypass Assessment Each segment of the original bypass was considered, and an evaluation completed. Detailed cost estimates were not developed for the original proposed four lane full limited access configuration, but engineering judgement and comparable facilities were used to develop costs referenced in this section of the report. Detailed work was completed to develop potential solutions to address the needs noted earlier in the document. Refer to Figure 18 on page 47 for a map showing each of the following segments. Bypass Segment 1 from Route 37 on the west side of I-81 to Route 11 includes a system interchange with Route 37 on the west and a cloverleaf interchange with I-81. The cloverleaf interchange as proposed would be difficult if not impossible to meet interchange spacing requirements and would require significant additional improvements on Interstate 81 and sideroads to meet current design criteria. This segment had the least traffic volume in the updated travel demand model at approximately 13,000 VPD and it is the most expensive segment of the original bypass. Engineering judgement would lead to a cost of over half a billion dollars for that segment of the original bypass including the interchange with I-81 and Route 37. Bypass Segment 2 from Route 11 to Route 7 (Berryville Pike) attracts about 18,000 VPD and is in an area of the study area that is rapidly growing from both a residential and employment perspective. It would also allow some relief to Berryville Pike which is one of the corridors with high V/C ratios in 2050. This segment in the four-lane limited access configuration would likely be over $250 million dollars given the interchanges, right of way (ROW), and structures required. Bypass Segment 3 from Route 7, Berryville Pike to US 17/50 (Millwood Pike) is a link through relatively undeveloped land and may increase sprawl and encourage development that is not desirable. This segment of the original bypass attracts approximately 22,000 VPD in 2050 but has less independent value as it relates to the needs identified in this study. This segment would also likely cost over $200 million in the prior configuration. The segment from Berryville Pike to Senseny Road has more value and could reduce traffic on Senseny Road and Greenwood Road and provide an alternative to Route 7 Berryville Pike. The segment south of Senseny Road to Millwood Pike traverses significant topography and an alternatives analysis would be recommended to find the best and most economically feasible route. 65 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 46 Bypass Segment 4 from US 17/50 (Millwood Pike) to US 522 (Front Royal Pike) is another link through relatively undeveloped land but would provide access to appropriately zoned land and areas targeted for development in and around the airport and along both Millwood Pike and Front Royal Pike. It would also provide for alternate connections to Papermill and Airport Road/Crossover Boulevard for future relief. This segment would also likely cost over $200 million dollars in the prior configuration and would attract approximately 26,000 VPD in the 2050 forecast. Bypass Segment 5 from US 522 (Front Royal Pike) to I-81/Tasker Road is the most southern section of the original Route 37 bypass and attracts a significant amount of traffic both in the total bypass configuration and independently by itself in the 2050 travel demand model. It is a costly segment in the original configuration and also in the new alternate configuration due to number of structures and wetland/floodplain impact. It does, however, provide for addressing congestion needs in this area and a future connection to Warrior Drive. The segment of the bypass between Tasker Road and the Warrior Drive extension is forecasted to have about 50,000 VPD and would require a four-lane typical section; the capacity of a two-lane roadway with minimal access points is approximately 23,000 to 29,000 VPD. From the Warrior Drive extension to US 17/50, a two-lane roadway would be sufficient for the 2050 forecasted demand of approximately 27,000 VPD. Using a maximum of 29,000 VPD capacity for a two-lane roadway as a guide, each segment of the Route 37 bypass would be sufficiently served in 2050 with a two-lane roadway, except for the segment between Tasker Road and the Warrior Drive extension which would warrant a four-lane highway based on projected volumes. 66 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 47 BYPASSSEGMENT-1 BYPASSSEGMENT-2 BYPASSSEGMENT-3 BYPASSSEGMENT-4 BYPASSSEGMENT-5 Berryville Pike Berryvill e A v e Welltown RdWyc k S t Woods Mill RdValley Mill R d Greenwood RdSensen y R d Senseny R d Haggerty BlvdE C o r k S t Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdWarrior DrTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRd FairmountAveFortCollierRdS n o wd e n Bridge R d Park Jim Barnett Park Izaac Walton Club CountryWinchester Course Golf Valley Carper's Regional Airport Winchester 17 17 17 522 522 522 522 81 81 81 11 11 11 7 7 7 37 81 S U N N Y S I D E E S TAT E S FA IRWAY H E I G HT S B UF F LIC K S O U T H V I E WWESTWOOD M I L L S PA R K I N S H E I G H T S S E N S E N Y H E I G H TS M I L L E R PA R K C O L L E G E HILLS SH E NAND OAH S P R I N G S J O R D A N FA C TO RY B U R N T S P R I N G VA L L E Y HE I G H TS G RE E N WO O D KNO L L S B U R N IN G 0 10.50.25 MilesN TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY www.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Original Route 37 Bypass | Segments Figure 18: Original Bypass Segments 67 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 48 Concept Development and Potential Solutions Formulation of different concepts and solutions were centered around the needs identified and presented to the public. The Partial Limited Access Concept is defined by the following characteristics as defined in VDOTs Roadway Design Manual: provides access to select public roads, crossings at grade, and some private driveway connections. Project cost summaries for the following Potential Improvement Projects are shown on Figure 19 on page 51 and summarized in Table 13 on page 52. Taking the conglomerate dataset of the public feedback, the 2050 forecasted volumes and V/C ratios, and analysis of the sections of the Route 37 bypass from the 2001 EIS, the following concepts were formulated and proposed to the public in March 2024 for feedback. This study focused on providing cost-effective alternatives and volume appropriate solutions to address the 2050 forecasted volumes. This includes a look at the sections of the Route 37 Bypass to determine if a two-lane partial limited access roadway in lieu of a four-lane highway full limited access could adequately meet future needs. Included in the following discussion are findings from the analysis of Potential Projects 1, 3 and 4 and design considerations that were considered or warrant further analysis. The alignments from the Route 37 bypass in the 2001 EIS and UPC 85972 Study Update were used as a basis for these discussions. Since 2001, there has been land development which occurred either in or in proximity to these alignments. The following paragraphs discuss some of the challenges which warrant further analysis during a potential preliminary engineering phase. Potential Improvement Project 1: Route 37 extension from Route 11 to Route 7 as a two- lane partial limited access roadway (anticipated Major Collector). Preliminary Assessment There is a large commercial property at the northern end of this alignment that would be bisected by the alignment and may warrant additional analysis in the future if this segment were to be widened and residential development that interferes with the planned alignment. At grade intersections with Woods Mill Road, Burnt Factory Road, and Pine Road are geometrically challenging due to the topography. Where the alignment connects with Route 7, a long span structure would likely be required due to floodplain impacts. Approximately ~2700 ft of bridge is required to construct this on alignment. See 68 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 49 Table 14 for a preliminary cost estimate based on the existing alignment and additional design criteria. Potential Improvement Project 2: Widening Airport Road from its current configuration of two lanes to four lanes between US 522 and Admiral Byrd Drive (anticipated Major Collector) to help alleviate congestion (1 > V/C > 0.85) entering the Airport from I-81. Potential Improvement Project 3: Tasker Road/Route 37 to US 522 (anticipated Major Collector/Minor Arterial) as a full limited access highway from Tasker Road/Route 37 to Warrior Drive and partial limited access roadway from Warrior Drive to US 522. Preliminary Assessment An at-grade connection of the existing alignment with US 522 is located ~350 ft from two driveway connections on U2 522. It may be desirable to find an alternative location in the vicinity to create an at-grade connection with US 522. The existing alignment for Warrior Drive crosses Opequon Creek at one of the wider locations of the floodplain which would result in a long span structure. Between these two roadway segments, there is over ~2,000 ft of bridge required to span floodplains in this area. It would be advisable to revisit these alignments to reduce these stream impacts and decrease structure lengths. See Table 16 for a preliminary cost estimate based on the existing alignment and additional design criteria. This project is projected to require four-lanes between I-81 and Warrior Drive as the projected volumes in 2050 exceed the range shown in the typical section below. The typical section graphic was developed and presented at the March 14, 2024. 69 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 50 Potential Improvement Project 4: This project entails the extension of Haggerty Boulevard/ Hallowed Crossings Way (anticipated Major Collector). Preliminary Assessment The recent development “The Retreat at Winding Creek” is in the vicinity of this alignment but is not thought to be a conflict or area of concern with respect to this alignment. See Table 17 for a preliminary cost estimate based on the existing alignment and additional design criteria. Potential Improvement Project 5: This proposed improvement includes the addition of a center turn lane to Senseny Road between I-81 and Greenwood Road. 70 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 51 1 2 5 4 3 MAJOR C O L L E C T O R MAJOR COL L E C T O R / MINOR ART E R I A L MAJOR COLLECTORMAJORCOLLECTOR MAJ O R C O L L E C T O R Berryville Pike Berryvil l e A v e Welltown RdWy c k S t Woods Mill RdValley Mill R d Greenwood RdSensen y R d Senseny R d Haggerty BlvdE C o r k S t Greenwood RdHillandale RdWhite Oak RdWarrior DrTasker RdTasker R d Old CharlesTownRd FairmountAveFortCollierRdS n o wd e n Bridge R d Park Jim Barnett ParkIzaacWalton Club Country Winchester Course Golf Valley Carper's Regional Airport Winchester S U N N Y S I D E E S TAT E S FA I R WAY H EIG HTS B UFFL IC K S O U T H V I E WWESTWOOD MIL LS PA R K I N S H E I G H T S S E N S E N Y HE I GH T S M I L L E R PA R K C O L L E G E HILLS SHENANDOAH S P R I N G S J O R D A N FA C T O RY B U R N T S P R I N G VA L L E Y H E I GH T S GR E EN WOO D K N O L L S B U R N I N G 0 10.50.25 MilesN TRANSPORTATION STUDYEASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY www.FCVA.us/Departments/Planning-Development/Transportation Concept Development | Proposed Solutions 17 17 17 522 522 522 522 81 81 81 11 11 11 7 7 7 37 81 Figure 19: Potenti al Improvement Projects 71 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 52 Details are provided in subsequent tables and graphics in this section. Additional detail of the travel demand model analysis is included in a memorandum completed by WRA as part of this project and included in the Appendix. To gain perspective and perform analyses, the webmap developed for this project included layers from multiple sources such as Frederick County planning, VDOT planning, and the traffic forecast by WRA. The needs statements are centered around VDOT’s PSI Segments and Intersections, review of the projected V/C ratios in 2050, origin/destination (O-D) review, and VDOT/County/citizen comments throughout the project. While reviewing these datasets, the apparent first area of concern was Route 7. There are projects in the top 100 PSI listing in this area and many crashes on Route 7 between Route 81 and the Frederick/Clark County line. This segment of Route 7 is also included in the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan as a potential improvement project. One remediation to the congestion and safety issues on Route 7 is to examine a connection between Route 7 and Route 11. The traffic model shows that the construction of the bypass in this area would reduce the projected volume in 2050. On the southern end of the study area, the intersection of I-81 and Tasker Road was also identified as a problematic area by County staff and VDOT. As of 2019, Tasker Road at the interchange with I-81 and Route 37 is over capacity with a V/C Ratio between 1 and 1.5. One logical solution to this problem is to create a connection with Warrior Drive to serve the large residential developments in the area. A recurring theme during the public input process was citizen discussion of Senseny Road. This roadway was cited as problematic for this study and for the SS4A project. Lack of shoulders creates an unsafe condition for pedestrians and bicyclists, and the lack of a consistent center turn lane from I-81 to Greenwood Road causes queues to form. The V/C Table 13: Construction Cost Estimate – Side-By-Side Costs May 2024 Inflation Increase of 5% Compounded Each Year Project # Project Total With Contingencies (millions) 2025 (millions) 2026 (millions) 2027 (millions) 2028 (millions) 2029 (millions) 1 $179.5 $188.5 $198 $208 $218 $229 3 $13.5 $14 $15 $16 $17 $17.5 2 $196 $206 $216 $227 $238.5 $250 4 $49 $51.5 $54 $56.5 $59.5 $62.5 5 $25.5 $27 $28 $29.5 $31 $33 TOTAL $463.5 $487 $511 $537 $564 $592 72 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 53 ratio on this segment is greater than 1 and less than 1.5 in 2050. To relieve some of the congestion on Senseny Road and Greenwood Road (also V/C greater than 1 and less than 1.5 in 2050) construction of a segment along the current bypass alignment that continues from Haggerty Boulevard (currently in construction) was evaluated. To further evaluate these alternatives, we conducted an analysis of the potential VHT (vehicle hour time) impacts by looking at the following scenarios: • The No build scenario (not changing the existing roadway network) • Construction of Potential Project 1 (referred to as Northern Section) • Construction of Potential Project 3 (referred to as Southern Section) • Full bypass build (construction of the bypass as a full limited access facility as planned previously) The results of this analysis can be found in the Appendix. This comparison was completed for AM peak, Mid-day peak, PM peak, nighttime, and daily average time of day to assess the differences between these time periods. Also, the impacts to different facility types were conducted during the various times of day and for each scenario. The tables include volumes and percent changes between the volumes. Time of day did have a significant impact on the volumes themselves but not in the percent change relative to each scenario. Most apparent is the 68% increase in FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway) for the full bypass build scenario. This increase is coupled with a decrease in the minor arterial and collector facility types which would provide network benefit for these facility types which were identified as potential problems based on v/c ratios. A full bypass type connection provides the most benefit but the northern and southern possible connection provides relief as well. In contrast, impacts to VHT from the independent construction of Potential Project 1 and 3 are less than 10%. In terms of the VHT analysis, although marginally better, the southern connection offers slightly more benefit than the northern connection. 73 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 54 These planning level estimates included the following assumptions: • Drainage/Stormwater Management (SWM)/Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) is 25% of the subtotal of major roadway quantities • Utilities is 3% of the subtotal of major roadway quantities • Signal Performance Measures (SPM)/Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) is 8% of the subtotal of major roadway quantities • Preliminary Engineering is 10% of the construction subtotal • Final Design is 7% of the construction subtotal • ROW is 5% of the construction subtotal • Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI) is 17.5% of the construction subtotal Planning Level Cost Estimates The cost estimate summary can be found in Table 13 on page 52. Breakdowns by project can be found in Tables 14 to 18. 74 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 55 Table 14: Constructi on Cost Esti mate – Potenti al Improvement Project 1 Item Quanti ty / Percentage Unit Cost Cost (Millions) Full-Depth Pavement (sf)383178 $12 $4.5 Milling (sf)0 $24 - Leveling (sf)0 $3 - Shoulder Pavement (sf)224400 $8 $2 Regular Excavati on (cy)1126486 $20 $22.5 Bridge / Structure(s) (sf)99316 $400 $40 Subtotal $69 Drainage / SWM / ESC 25%-$17 Uti lity 3%-$2 SPM / MOT 5%-$3.5 Traffi c Signals 4 $500,000 $2 Subtotal $93.5 Mobilizati on --$4.5 Constructi on Survey (1% + 5,000)--$1 Subtotal $99 Conti ngency 30%-$29.5 Constructi on Subtotal $129 PE 10%-$13 FD 7%-$9 ROW 5%-$6 CEI 17.50%-$22.5 Project Total (With Conti ngencies)$179.5 ADT - Terrain Rolling Design Speed 60 MPH Minimum Radius 1200’ SSD 570’ Lane Width 12’ Shoudler Width 6’ Max Grade 10% Berryvill e P i k e Valley Mill Rd Brentwood Terrace Shenandoah Hills Route 11 81 81 P o t e n t i a l C o n n e c t i o n Major Collector 75 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 56 Mil l w o o d P i k e Bufflick Heights 81 81 Winchester Regional Airport Southview Bu f f l i c k R d VictoryRdFront Royal PikeAi r p o r t R d Airport R d Table 15: Constructi on Cost Esti mate – Potenti al Improvement Project 2 ADT >2,000 (2050) Terrain Rolling Design Speed 25 MPH Minimum Radius 115’ SSD 155’ Lane Width 12’ Shoudler Width 6’ Max Grade 10% Major Collector Item Quanti ty / Percentage Unit Cost Cost (Millions) Full-Depth Pavement (sf)26767 $12.00 $0.5 Milling (sf)135067 $24.00 $3 Leveling (sf)135067 $3.00 $0.5 Shoulder Pavement (sf)36545 $8.00 $0.5 Regular Excavati on (cy)28663 $20.00 $0.5 Bridge / Structure(s) (sf)0 $400.00 - Subtotal $5 Drainage / SWM / ESC 25%-$0.5 Uti lity 3%-$0.5 SPM / MOT 8%-$0.5 Traffi c Signals 1 $500,000 $0.5 Subtotal $7 Mobilizati on --$0.5 Constructi on Survey (1% + 5,000)--$0.5 Subtotal $8 Conti ngency 30%-$2 Constructi on Subtotal $10 PE 10%-$1 FD 7%-$0.5 ROW 5%-$0.5 CEI 17.50%-$1.5 Project Total (With Conti ngencies)$13.5 76 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 57 Table 16: Constructi on Cost Esti mate – Potenti al Improvement Project 3 Item Quanti ty / Percentage Unit Cost Cost (Millions) Full-Depth Pavement (sf)590090 $12.00 $7 Milling (sf)0 $24.00 - Leveling (sf)0 $3.00 - Shoulder Pavement (sf)201572 $8.00 $1.5 Regular Excavati on (cy)985450 $20.00 $20 Bridge / Structure(s) (sf)112835 $400.00 $45 Subtotal $73.5 Drainage / SWM / ESC 25%-$18.5 Uti lity 3%-$2 SPM / MOT 8%-$6 Traffi c Signals 4 $500,000 $2 Subtotal $102 Mobilizati on --$5 Constructi on Survey (1% + 5,000)--$1 Subtotal $108 Conti ngency 30%-$32.5 Constructi on Subtotal $140.5 PE 10%-$14 FD 7%-$10 ROW 5%-$7 CEI 17.50%-$24.5 Project Total (With Conti ngencies)$196 ADT - Terrain Rolling Design Speed 60 MPH Minimum Radius 1200’ SSD 570’ Lane Width 12’ Shoudler Width 6’ Max Grade 6% Major Collector Front Royal Pike81 81 SouthveiwWestwood Bufflick HeightsPlainfield Heights Taske r Rd Warrior DrPeperm i l l Rd 37 Route37Extension Warr i orDrEx t e n si o n 77 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 58 Table 17: Constructi on Cost Esti mate – Potenti al Improvement Project 4 Item Quanti ty / Percentage Unit Cost Cost (Millions) Full-Depth Pavement (sf)92910 $12.00 $1 Milling (sf)0 $24.00 - Leveling (sf)0 $3.00 - Shoulder Pavement (sf)54198 $8.00 $0.5 Regular Excavati on (cy)298887 $20.00 $6 Bridge / Structure(s) (sf)25200 $400.00 $10 Subtotal $17.5 Drainage / SWM / ESC 25%-$4.5 Uti lity 3%-$0.5 SPM / MOT 5%-$1 Traffi c Signals 4 $500,000 $2 Subtotal $25.5 Mobilizati on --$1 Constructi on Survey (1% + 5,000)--$0.5 Subtotal $27 Conti ngency 30%-$8 Constructi on Subtotal $35 PE 10%-$3.5 FD 7%-$2.5 ROW 5%-$2 CEI 17.50%-$6 Project Total (With Conti ngencies)$49 ADT >2,000 (2050) Terrain - Design Speed 60 MPH Minimum Radius 1200’ SSD 570’ Lane Width 12’ Shoudler Width 6’ Max Grade 6% Major Collector Berryville Pik e Sulpher Spring Rd Miller Heights Fairway Estates 81 81 Greenwood Heights Senseny Heights Berryvil l e A v e Senseny R d GreenwoodRdChanning DrHaggerty Blvd/Hallowed Crossing Way78 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 59 Table 18: Constructi on Cost Esti mate – Potenti al Improvement Project 5 Item Quanti ty / Percentage Unit Cost Cost (Millions) Full-Depth Pavement (sf)186520 $12.00 $2 Milling (sf)99680 $24.00 $2.5 Leveling (sf)99680 $3.00 $0.5 Shoulder Pavement (sf)111300 $8.00 $1 Regular Excavati on (cy)62812 $20.00 $1 Bridge / Structure(s) (sf)3072 $400.00 $1 Subtotal $8 Drainage / SWM / ESC 25%-$2 Uti lity 3%-$0.5 SPM / MOT 8%-$0.5 Traffi c Signals 4 $500,000 $2 Subtotal $13 Mobilizati on --$0.5 Constructi on Survey (1% + 5,000)--$0.5 Subtotal $14 Conti ngency 30%-$4 Constructi on Subtotal $18 PE 10%-$2 FD 7%-$1.5 ROW 5%-$1 CEI 17.50%-$3 Project Total (With Conti ngencies)$25.5 ADT >2,000 (2050) Terrain - Design Speed 35 MPH Minimum Radius 316’ SSD 250’ Lane Width 12’ Shoudler Width 6’ Max Grade 9% Major Collector Berryvill e P i k e Sulpher Spring Rd Miller Heights Fairway Estates 81 81 Greenwood Heights Senseny Heights Berryvill e A v e Senseny R d GreenwoodRdChanningDr Haggerty Blvd/Hallowed Crossing Way79 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 60 Table 19: Mini TIP Potential Improvement Project 1 Project Total With Contingencies $179.5 Million Project Needs Safety - This project would improve safety by diverting traffic off Route 7 (2050 ADT without project: ~47,000, 2050 with project ~28,000) Access - This was proposed to be a four-lane limited access highway (similar to the existing Route 37 bypass) Mobility - Projected volume in 2050 is ~18,000 Issues that May Affect Design or Construction This project poses many difficulties from constructability standpoint. These are documented in the logical Termini, Independent Utility, and Concept Development section of the report. Potential Improvement Project 3 Project Total With Contingencies $196 Million Project Needs Safety - In the absense of this link, existing traffic uses Tasker Road in order to gain access to the xx residential parcels in the vicinity of Warrior Drive Access - This was proposed to be a four-lane limited access highway similar to the existing Route 37 bypass. Volumes could justify a four lane roadway from Tasker Road to Warrior Drive in 2050 Mobility - Projected volume in 2050 is ~50,000 between I-81 and future Warrior Drive and ~27,000 between future Warrior Drive and US 522 Issues that May Affect Design or Construction There are a number of environmental impacts in this area, these are documented in the Logical Termini, Independent Utility, and Concept Development section of the report. Potential Improvement Project 2 Project Total With Contingencies $13.5 Million Project Needs Safety - There are two severe injury crashes and two minor crashes between 2017 and 2021 Access - The projected V/C ratio in 2050 is between 0.85 and 1. Construction of this project will help with access to the airport as it grows Mobility - Projected volume in 2050 is ~17,000 Issues that May Affect Design or Construction Maintaining phased construction (this section cannot be closed). 80 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 61 Table 19 (Continued): Mini TIP Potential Improvement Project 5 Project Total With Contingencies $25.5 Million Project Needs Safety - 15 crashes reported from 2017 - 2022 - There are 2 intersection projects in VDOT’s Top 100 PSI 18-22 Listing - V/C > 1 in 2050 Access - There are no bicycle or pedestrian accomodations Mobility - There are 27 driveways/intersecting roadways along this corridor where a center turn lane would prevent queuing Issues that May Affect Design or Construction This project would need to be completed using phased construction and significant delays could occur. Lack of shoulders will make phasing difficult. May not be a competitive project for grants. Potential Improvement Project 4 Project Total With Contingencies $49 Million Project Needs Safety - There is 1 intersection on the Top 100 PSI list on Greenwood Road in this area and one segment south of Senseny Road. Construction of this segment would take some demand off Greenwood Road Access - The top half of Haggerty Boulevard is being constructed by a developer. It makes sense to close the connection to Senseny Boulevard to improve access in this area Mobility - This creates an alternate roadway to Greenwood Road to get north/south through the project area Issues that May Affect Design or Construction A development in this area, The Re- treat at Winding Creek, was construct- ed since the originaly bypass was pro- posed. It will be challenging to either tie into the existing road network here or do some kind of flyover bridge. 81 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 62 Grant Opportunities & Next Steps Grant Opportunities There are multiple grant opportunities available to fund any project or combination of these projects. At the time of this report, the SS4A Action Plan has been completed and adopted by the WinFred MPO. This report included street, intersection, and sidewalk improvements. Projects identified in this Action Plan are eligible for an Implementation Grant by United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). USDOT has a grant round that opens annually in the early spring. The local match required is 20% and the federal match is 80%. A project on Route 7 has been identified in the Action Plan that could be eligible for a supplemental planning grant or implementation grant, depending on the wishes of Frederick County. SMART SCALE is a bi-annual funding opportunity offered by VDOT. In the 6th round offered this year, VDOT has institutes the “Gating Process” whereby the project readiness requirements are increased from prior grant rounds. Roadways on new alignments, adding managed lanes (HOV, etc.), and major widening now require an alternatives analysis. As such, the pieces of the Route 37 bypass proposed as projects in this study would have to be further studied to be eligible. Early coordination with VDOT is key to a successful application and working relationship throughout the project, and it is a critical “gate” for the SMART SCALE pre-application. The project which includes the addition of a center- turn lane on Senseny Road may be eligible for SMART SCALE using these criteria, but discussion with VDOT is encouraged to accurately ensure eligibility. There are many more grant opportunities available in the Commonwealth. The Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program (VHSIP) uses state and federal safety funding to implement safety improvements. Localities can submit applications between August 1 and October 31 annually for these funds. Examples of improvements eligible for grant funding are flashing yellow arrows, pedestrian crossings, road diets, unsignalized intersection improvements, and curve delineation. Some of these creative solutions could be utilized throughout the project area to enhance safety at a lower cost to the residents. Revenue Sharing provides a matching allocation up to $5 million for projects designated by the locality for improvement, construction, maintenance, or reconstruction of highway systems. The projects proposed in this study far exceed the $5 million mark, but utilizing these funds for other projects can help the County re-allocate funds to be able to support these larger scale projects in the future. 82 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 63 Next Steps In addition to searching for grant opportunities to fund the potential solutions proposed, this study can be used in many ways. Reviewing the information provided in this study to re-calibrate the thought process behind the necessity of constructing the Route 37 Eastern bypass is an important one. Consideration should be made to update the Comprehensive Transportation Plan/Eastern Frederick County Road Plan to show that a two-lane roadway can meet the future transportation needs in certain segments of the bypass. Additionally, consider adding the other proposed improvements in this study to support long term transportation planning goals to increase mobility and safety for the residents of Frederick County and the traveling public. Examples include capacity preservation on US 522 and US 17/50 as this intersection and segments/intersections along US 522 were identified on VDOT’s Top PSI list. As development increases in Frederick County, these areas of preservation should receive special attention and consideration. It is also a recommendation to find a mechanism to ensure that future development will not interfere with projects included in the Transportation Plan. As noted previously, sections of the Route 37 Eastern Bypass will not be constructable on the alignment scoped in the 2001 EIS due to development that has occurred since. Consider asking developers to provide a GIS layer with the proposed footprint to avoid these conflicts in the future. This study is intended to precipitate a Phase II analysis to fully vet the alternatives so that the County and Commonwealth make the best-informed decisions possible with tax funds. As noted in the section above, SMART SCALE applications in the 6th round now require the following for roadways on new alignments: “Provide a Planning Study/Safety Study, which includes an operational analysis and documents a preferred alternative that is consistent with the scope described in the application to support this feature. The study must include an alternatives analysis that considers improvements not on a new alignment” (https:// smartscale.virginia.gov/media/smartscale/documents/508_R6_Technical-Guide_FINAL_ FINAL_acc043024_PM.pdf, Table 2.6). It was not within this study’s scope to do this detailed analysis for the proposed roadways on new alignment; therefore, a Phase II is necessary to enable the County to apply for SMART SCALE funding in the future. 83 EASTERN FREDERICK COUNTY TRANSPORTATION STUDY (EFCTS)PAGE | 64 A. Public Engagement Plan B. Community Context Audit Summary C. Community Context Audit Interview Script D. Purpose and Needs Statement Survey E. Purpose and Needs Survey Results Summary F. Transportation Forum Meeting Agenda G. Transportation Forum Project Overview H. Transportation Forum Public Comment Form I. Traffic Forecasting Analysis by WRA Appendix 84 85 2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 1.1 Project Description 3 1.2 Plan Purpose 3 2. Regulatory Compliance 3 3. Disadvantaged Communities and Environmental Justice 5 4. PEP Approach 7 4.1 Project Communications 8 4.2 Project Website/Web Page 9 4.3 Stakeholder Identification 10 4.4 Public Engagement 10 5. American with Disabilities Act of 1990 10 6. Quality Control/Quality Assurance 11 7. Public Engagement Activities Schedule 11 86 3 Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Draft Public Engagement Plan (PEP) Last Updated 10-27-23 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Description Frederick County is studying transportation issues and viable solutions for the project area situated to the east of the City of Winchester. The goal of the study is to develop a well-defined and documented set of transportation needs and implementable transportation improvements. The study area includes Interstate 81 (I-81) in the west to the Frederick County/Clarke County line in the east; and extends from Route 761 on the north side of the city to the Tasker Road area east of the I-81 Exit 310. The study will analyze transportation issues related to the road network and conceptually develop viable transportation solutions for the area through data collection and interviews. A map of the project area is provided in Figure 1. 1.2 Plan Purpose As part of the project development process, Frederick County will communicate regularly with the public, project stakeholders, and public officials and the media, as appropriate, and provide opportunities for project-related input and feedback. The Public Engagement Plan (PEP) outlines a comprehensive, proactive outreach strategy to be implemented during the study. The overall goal of the PEP is to: • Heighten public awareness and understanding of the project • Identify and purposefully engage key stakeholders in the project development process • Provide public access to current and accurate project information • Deliver timely responses to public inquiries; and • Assimilate public views, preferences, and support for project outcomes that enhance mobility, safety, and efficiency 2. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Public participation in the transportation planning process has been a priority for federal, state, and local officials since the passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in 1991 and its successors, the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21); the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP 21); the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in 2015; and continues to be maintained in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) which was signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021. The IIJA also requires agencies to prioritize investments in low-income, historically underserved, economically disadvantaged areas, including rural communities and tribal lands. 87 4 Figure 1: Project Area Map 88 5 The Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study PEP is comprised of strategies and activities designed to meet or exceed the guidance and directives prescribed in the IIJA, and the following: • The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA of 1969); • Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended in 2016; • Executive Order 12898 of February 11, 1994; • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; • Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990; • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990; and • Executive Order 14091 of February 16, 2023. Additionally, the overall framework and context of this PEP are consistent with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Public Involvement Manual, dated November 2021. The PEP follows the guidance in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) document, Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making, dated October 2022, to reduce inequities and ensure communities have a voice in the transportation decision-making process. 3. DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Beyond requirements to identify disadvantaged communities, it is important to analyze for these populations at the earliest possible time in project development because, historically, these groups have been left out of the planning and project development process. Early identification of disadvantaged communities can improve transportation for the entire community, as well as minimize or avoid potential harm from a project. Additionally, appropriate communication tools and outreach activities for these groups can be determined in advance. In January of 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14008, which directed the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to develop the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. The tool has an interactive map and uses datasets that are indicators of burdens in eight categories: climate change, energy, health, housing, legacy pollution, transportation, water and wastewater, and workforce development. The tool uses this information to identify communities that are experiencing these burdens. These are the communities that are disadvantaged because they are overburdened and underserved. Within the study area, there are no United States (US) Census tracts that are considered disadvantaged. However, within Winchester City, adjacent to the Interstate 81 border, Census tract 51840000100 is considered to be disadvantaged (Figure 2). 89 6 Figure 2: Disadvantaged Communities Source: Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool VDOT requires that all projects be evaluated using EJSCREEN. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed an Environmental Justice (EJ) mapping and screening tool, called Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN). It is based on nationally consistent data and is an approach that combines environmental and demographic indicators in maps and a standard report. EJSCREEN uses demographic factors as very general indicators of a community’s potential susceptibility to environmental pollutants. The latest version (2019) of EJSCREEN uses the 2013-2017 ACS 5-year estimates summary file data. EJ is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EJSCREEN defines low-income as individuals whose ratio of household income to poverty level in the past 12 months was less than 2 (as a fraction of individuals for whom ratio was determined). At the block group level, Figure 3 compares the low-income population of the study area to the rest of the state. Within the study area, there is one block group that is in the 89th percentile. This means that 89% of the block group’s population is low-income. 90 7 Figure 3: Low-income Populations Source: EJSCREEN EJSCREEN defines people of color people as who list their racial status as a race other than white alone and/or list their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino. That is, all people other than non-Hispanic white-alone individuals. The word "alone" in this case indicates that the person is of a single race, not multiracial. Figure 4 on the following page compares the population of people of color at the block group level to the rest of the state. Within the study area, there is one block group that is in the 69th percentile and one block group that is in the 51st percentile. 4. PEP APPROACH The following PEP approach outlines the communication methods to be utilized by the McCormick Taylor project team. The components are well-defined but may be modified as the project progresses to be responsive to the needs of key stakeholders, impacted communities within the study area, public officials, and for the continued advancement of the project. The primary components include project communications, project website, key stakeholder coordination, and public engagement. 91 8 Figure 4: People of Color The McCormick Taylor project team will implement, maintain, and update the PEP in collaboration with Frederick County over the course of this project. To ensure the quality of PEP materials, McCormick Taylor employs a corporatewide Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) Process for the overall public involvement effort and materials generated by the McCormick Taylor project team. 4.1 Project Communications Responding to Public Inquiries Effective and timely project communications are fundamental to a successful public involvement program. From responses to public inquiries to meeting invitations, it is critical that all project communications contain accurate information, reflect consistency with overall project messaging, and represent Frederick County in a professional and thoughtful manner. Accordingly, a protocol for processing and tracking public inquiries received via the project website, written correspondence, telephone, or other means will be developed for this project as directed by the County. The protocol may include establishing standard content to open and close responses, standardized replies to sensitive issues, and standardized copy lists so that key project team members consistently review and receive copies of all outgoing responses. The protocol also helps minimize, if not eliminate, the possibility of an untimely response or no response being provided. 92 9 Branding An easily identifiable project brand will be created to distinguish this study from other studies or projects completed for or associated with the Route 37 east bypass. This will foster public recognition of materials, communications, and other related public-facing communications resources. The branding will be utilized on the project website, meeting materials, reports, display boards, publications, and electronic communications, including social media, and is featured in this document design. Social Media Social media helps expand project-related communications and engage traditionally underserved populations throughout the project area. Research has shown that social media is a highly effective tool to reach Latinos and African Americans; particularly via Facebook and Twitter, where representation is higher than average. Frederick County social media sites will be used to share important project information and events, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. McCormick Taylor will coordinate social media posts with the Frederick County Public Information Office. Social media campaigns are supported through the development of project-related graphics and content designed specifically for the identified platform. Content for use on social media is most effective when it includes attention-getting visual explanations and concise copy. Mass Communications Project-related communications with the public are coordinated with Frederick County Project Manager and Public Information Office. Email blasts and ‘e-bulletins’ will be developed as requested by the County, and as the project progresses to keep the impacted community members and key stakeholders informed. This will help to further the public’s comprehension of the project and foster an open and continuing dialogue regarding the project. Potential email topics include meeting announcements, project website updates, schedule updates, and other significant project developments. Media Coordination All project-related communications with the media are to be coordinated with Frederick County Project Manager and Public Information Office. All media inquiries received by phone, electronically or in person are re-directed to the Public Information Officer. McCormick Taylor will develop news releases, media advisories and other project-related advertisements in draft format for review and comment by the Frederick County Project Manager and the Public Information Office. The final versions of the news releases, media advisories and other forms of project-related advertisements are to be placed or disseminated as directed by Frederick County Public Information Office. 4.2 Project Website/Web page The consultant project team will consult with Frederick County to establish a project web-based resource on the County’s website. McCormick Taylor will design and develop content for the website/web page. Additionally, two types of comprehensive content/graphic updates are planned for the project website/web page over the course of the project as follows: • Updates associated with milestones and progress during the study (including materials/information about the two public meetings), and • Updates after presenting the proposed alternatives. 93 10 4.3 Stakeholder Identification McCormick Taylor and Frederick County worked together to develop a stakeholder database. It will be updated at least twice throughout this phase of the project and includes property and business owners, as well as local officials within the study area. The database serves as a stakeholder list to be utilized for information-sharing. Fifteen stakeholders were identified for interviews as part of the Community Context Audit. The purpose of the Community Context Audit was to solicit a sampling of local interests, concerns, and perceptions about transportation within the study area. The interviews were conducted in the summer of 2023 and will allow the project team to proactively cultivate relationships with stakeholders, establish points of contact with local organizations and within the business communities, and establish reliable lines of communication to share project updates. The stakeholder list will be updated regularly as the project development progresses. 4.4 Public Engagement Public Meetings Two public meetings will be held to engage, educate, and inform the public. The first meeting will be scheduled for Fall 2023 (November Transportation Forum) and will present the updated draft purpose and need statement for the project based on the consultant team analyses. A second public meeting will be held in Spring 2024 for the presentation of the proposed alternative concepts to carry forward for more detailed evaluation, analysis, and design. If a meeting space is not available in the County Office, the project team will select a meeting venue that is accessible to all people in the community. Participants will be able to access the meeting in-person or online on the County website following the in-person session. Traditional media and public meeting promotion often does not always reach disadvantaged and environmental justice communities. McCormick Taylor will identify methods to inform these groups of the public meetings as directed by the County. In coordination with Frederick County, McCormick Taylor will prepare advertisements, social media posts, invitations, handouts, presentations, graphic displays, comment forms, sign-in sheets, nametags, and other material needed for the meetings as appropriate. Following the public meeting, meeting materials will be posted on the County website unless otherwise directed by the County. A summary for each meeting will be prepared and will include documentation of notifications, materials, attendance, and follow-up actions for project documentation. 5. AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that individuals with disabilities be provided equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from public services, programs, and activities provided by all state and local governments. In conjunction with the implementation of this PEP, Frederick County and the consultant project team have considered the needs of individuals with disabilities. In addition to seeking out those individuals who are often under-represented in this process, Frederick County and the 94 11 consultant project team are committed to encouraging the involvement of individuals with disabilities to gain their invaluable perspective on the attitudes and needs of a vital component of the community for whom the transportation project is being implemented. To accommodate individuals with hearing, speech, vision or mobility limitations, accessibility and/or auxiliary aids or services needed for communications and participation in project-related public events are made available upon requests received at least 48 hours before the date of the scheduled event. Public meetings are also held in facilities that are accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. All public notices and advertisements for public meetings will include Frederick County contact information for individuals needing special assistance due to a physical disability to participate. 6. QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE All materials developed by McCormick Taylor and our sub consultant team members are subject to McCormick Taylor’s Quality Control/Quality Assurance Process (QC/QA). The QC/ QA Process ensures that our project deliverables are technically accurate, appropriate, complete, satisfy the expectations of Frederick County, and meet the project needs. All draft and final versions of project-related materials designed for public consumption will undergo an internal quality control review before delivery to Frederick County. Final versions of public engagement materials will also include a quality assurance review prior to delivery to Frederick County. 7. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE The timeline of public engagement activities shown below in Figure 5 is based on the current overall project schedule and is subject to change. The schedule is updated as needed to reflect changes in the program’s components and/or the progress of the project development process. Figure 5: Public Involvement Activities Schedule 95 Community Context Audit Interview Summary July 2023 FREDERICKCOUNTY VA WV CLARKECOUNTY WINCHESTER SHENANDOAH COUNTY WARREN COUNTY STUDYAREA WV 96 July 28, 2023 1 Community Context Audit Interview Summary Interview outreach of up to 15 stakeholders began on July 14, 2023, via phone. Stakeholders who were reached were given the op�on to take the interview at the �me of the phone call or to schedule a future date for a phone, Microso� (MS) Teams video, or in-person interview. Barry Schnoor, Director, Physical Plant, Shenandoah University, and Jeff Buetner, Interim Economic Development Authority Execu�ve Director, opted for a phone interview. Eight interviewees opted for an MS Teams video interview. All interviews were recorded for accuracy and with permission from each interviewee. No one requested an in-person interview. By July 18, 2023, the ini�al outreach to the 15 stakeholders was completed. If the phone was not answered, a voice mail was le�. Follow-up emails were sent if our ini�al calls were not returned as requested. Ten stakeholders were interviewed. There were four stakeholders who did not respond to the invita�on to take part in the interviews. It is also worthy of note that the informa�on received and summarized below represents the collec�ve opinions of the interviewees. This feedback and summary informa�on will only be u�lized for the purposes of the community context audit. Completed Interviews (10): • Larry Oliver, Frederick County Fire and Rescue • Whit Wagner, Fort Collier • Chris Durant, Navy Federal Credit Union • Cynthia Schnieder, Top of VA Chamber • Jeff Buetner, City of Winchester Economic Development Authority • Gray Farland, Shockey Companies • JP Carr, Glaize Development • Nick Sabo, Winchester Regional Airport • Barry Schnoor, Shenandoah University • Patrick Barker, Frederick County Economic Development Authority Unsuccessful Interview Contacts: • Lenny Millholland, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office • Seth Levy, Shenandoah Agency on Aging • Abbey Rembold, Valley Health System • Jus�n Kerns, Winchester Frederick County Conven�on & Visitors Bureau Themes • Allevia�ng traffic conges�on and reducing crashes on I-81 is key to improving mobility in Frederick County. 97 July 28, 2023 2 • Traffic conges�on and tractor trailers on local roads are caused by drivers avoiding traffic conges�on on I-81. • Traffic conges�on on I-81 causes challenges for emergency services to reach emergencies. • There is concern that the roads where development is planned or underway, like in northern Frederick County, are not sufficiently sized for future traffic and that the development will worsen traffic conges�on. • Alterna�ve forms of transporta�on are valued and need to be improved and expanded: walking, biking, public transit. • Frederick County’s loca�on (proximity to I-81, Virginia Inland Port, Frederick County Regional Airport) is ideal for the warehouse/manufacturing/freight industry, which is resul�ng in increased truck/tractor trailer traffic. • Roadway infrastructure capaci�es at present are not enough for the scale and volume of planned developments. • Frederick County is becoming a less affordable place to live, causing people to live further away from their jobs in Frederick County. • Proximity to congested commuter routes has a detrimental impact on housing purchase choices. • Frederick County is becoming a suburb of Washington, D.C. As a result, morning and evening rush hour has worsened, despite of an increase in remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic. 98 July 28, 2023 3 Interview Summaries by Topic Commuter Concerns • I-81 has a perceived high volume of traffic and a perceived high rate of crashes. o Capacity does not appear to be, based on interviewee input, sufficient for the needs of the community. o Safety appears to be an issue on I-81. There is a high concentra�on of crashes on I-81 and the interchanges – this will be verified and validated through the study traffic analysis. o The par�al clover leaf and diamond shape designs of the I-81 interchanges are thought to contribute to traffic conges�on. • I-81 interchanges/exits of concern: Interchanges where development is occurring are problema�c at peak �mes. At these loca�ons there is limited land, which is challenging for making improvements. Interchange traffic levels appear to be maxed out and the known growth that is occurring cause concerns that level of service below expecta�ons. o 317 o 310 o 313: Signal �ming causes traffic to back up. o 315: Where Route 7 comes in, especially going westbound in the evening o Route 11 & I-81 interchange (north of Winchester City): On-off ramp, convergence of major arteries, unsynchronized signals, industrial park, and manufacturing plant appear to contribute to conges�on. o I-66 and I-81 interchange: When there is a crash, there is 5 to 10 miles of traffic conges�on between Winchester City and the interchange. o Route 50 and Route 522 interchange with I-81: Especially during rush hour. Future growth/developments are planned and could contribute to conges�on in the following areas: o 321 (Route 672) o 323 (Route 669) o 307 (Stephen City) & Stephen’s City Bridge (Route 277 – south of this study area) o 302 (Middletown) Route 627 – south of this study area o 277 (south of Winchester City) -Bowman’s Crossing, Route 614 • Development and growth in other areas, combined with cars and trucks trying to bypass traffic on I-81, is increasing conges�on on other routes. 99 July 28, 2023 4 o 7/Leesburg Pike: especially during rush hour since it catches commuters from DC to the Winchester area. o 37 o 50/17 o 522 o 11 (Clearbrook and Stevenson areas) o Between Route 50 and City of Winchester, especially at Victory Avenue.  Currently, Route 50 has two lanes in each direc�on with turning lanes at some intersec�ons. Will the length of these turning lanes be sufficient for future traffic? o 661/Redbud Road: On-off ramps are misaligned, and traffic signal sequences are off. • Local roads are also seeing increased traffic. o Senseny Road: Experiencing a lot of development growth; two-lanes might not be sufficient for future traffic. o Tasker Road: Tractor trailer traffic o Pleasant Valley Road at Millwood Avenue (near Shenandoah University) • Other Areas experiencing traffic congestion: o Bottlenecks around the West Virginia border. • Rush hour o Exists and is getting worse: 8:00 AM, 3:30/4:00 PM o Commuter Destinations outside of Frederick County: • Washington, D.C. (Frederick County is the “new suburb of Washington, D.C.”)  Cumberland, Maryland • Lack of public transit in Frederick County. • Lack of alternate routes: o There are limited east-west connections through the County. o Many roads feed right into downtown Winchester City, instead of being able to bypass. Development/Growth • Infrastructure o Capacities at present are not enough for the scale and volume of developments coming up. o Development needs to happen where infrastructure (u�li�es, water/sewer, roads) already exists or where it can be delivered in a short �me period. Those areas are few and far between. 100 July 28, 2023 5 • A lot of development and growth in the County, especially in the north and towards the eastern side. • Residen�al, retail, and mixed-use developments causing more traffic: o Crosspointe Center o Crossover Boulevard: Recently completed road improvements. • The Shops at Crossover Boulevard: >20 acres of developable commercial land • 311-unit apartment complex • Home2 Suite by Hilton hotel: 90 guests • Trex Co, Inc. • Hang 10 Car Wash • Carmax Dealership • First Bank & Trust Co • Known planned industrial developments brining more traffic: o Carmeus: Stone manufacturer with several stone quarries in Clearbrook and Middletown o One Logis�cs: Route 50 connec�on to the airport. (Also known as Carpers Valley project: 300 acres under development located on Route 50.) o “Fruit Hill” mixed use development: 2.1 million square feet of warehouse space. Equus Development: Applica�on has been withdrawn. o Valley Innova�on Park: A 147-acre development with advanced, bioscience manufacturing located southwest of 310 Interchange with access to I-81. o Planned industrial zoning near Exit 321/323 o More industrial land uses are being developed towards the northern part of the study area. • Other development concerns: o Development near northern part of I-81, near Exit 319 – a JJJ bus stopping area. o Concerns about traffic management during planned construc�on at the Route 50-522 and I-81 interchange. o Speculated expansion of airport could, if ever realized, bring more traffic conges�on. o Route 37 east bypass will have on-ramps to Route 50, causing more traffic conges�on. o Subdivisions cause sprawl and require people to drive to their des�na�ons. o People who work in Frederick County can’t afford to live in Frederick County, causing people to commute further to/from work. • Developers work closely with the County to minimize negative impacts to the community: o Developer participation in transportation improvements through revenue-sharing, proffers, and “smart-scale” projects (essentially formula grants) o Developers can be asked to put up money, about $10,000 per acre, plus setbacks, easements, and right of way 101 July 28, 2023 6 Historical Resources/Environmental Concerns • Air pollution from tractor trailers. • Lack of EV infrastructure in the County. • “Every field” is a historical site from the Revolutionary War era. • Natural beauty and history of Frederick County provides a sense of identity and quality of life • Excessive transportation infrastructure can also negatively impact water runoff etc. • If uncurbed, development moving westward can threaten natural and agricultural land that forms an economic and cultural foundation for the area. • Expanding Route 37 on the west side of Frederick County can help relieve traffic, but it is important to see how its building will impact the environment. Large Trucks/Tractor Trailers • The area is genera�ng more truck traffic every year. I-81 is the only major north-south route on the east coast that has no major ci�es or bridges. This allows truckers to move more quickly than other interstates, like I-95. As a result, the Winchester City and Frederick County area is a major hub for industrial/warehouse/trucking. • Major distribution hubs cause a large volume of freight flowing through the area. • Large trucks/tractor trailer travel patterns: o Most trucks are on I-81 or the major arteries. o Truckers use a few local roads to get between industrial parks and I-81. o Truckers stop between Exits 317 and 323 before crossing over into the West Virginia border. o Truckers use “all the local roads” along I-81 to avoid traffic conges�on on I-81 and the interchanges. o GPS is rerou�ng tractor trailers to local roads to avoid traffic conges�on. o A lot of truckers have no op�on but to go through downtown, because of the way exits are designed. • Route 50 to Route 522: Truckers coming from Maryland or West Virginia • Welltown Pike (coming from Stonewall Industrial Park): When traffic is backed up on Exit 317. • Fredrick County retail industry genera�ng freight: o Amazon o Walmart o Lowe’s o Home Depot o Trex 102 July 28, 2023 7 Emergency Services • Traffic conges�on on I-81 and the interchanges causes the volunteer fire company and emergency services to use circuitous routes to reach emergencies, especially during rush hour: o Route 522-50 corridor at Millwood Pike. o Intersection of I-81 and Berryville Pike (around Route 7). o In the City of Winchester, because of delays at traffic signals. • Reducing emergency response �me is always a priority for the airport. • By Shenandoah University, there is a planned replacement of the Route 50 bridge over I-81. As a result, Route 50 entry/exit to residen�al halls will close. Concerns about fire rescue response �me and ability to get to that part of campus. School Bus Traffic Concerns • Some issues with people passing stopped school buses with red lights activated. • Some concerns of speeding in residential areas. • Could be congestion concerns for schools near industrial areas, such as Stonewall Elementary on Route 11 north. • Potential concerns on hilly roads: o Armel Elementary on Route 522. o Blind spots at Greenwood Mill Elementary School, off Channing Road and High Cliff Drive. Frederick County Regional Airport/Virginia Inland Port • Currently, neither location is a heavy node for freight operations, so they don't attract large volumes of truck traffic o However, several Frederick County businesses and industrial warehouses and manufacturing companies heavily rely upon the airport and Inland Port. o Manufacturing companies rely on private plane delivery of parts (faster than FedEx). o Manufacturing companies have several trucks (sometimes 20) that travel to/from Inland Port every day. o Some fright comes in from arterial highways, namely Routes 50 and 522. • Connections to airport and Inland Port could be a need in the future depending on the regional growth and expansion of the manufacturing and trucking industry. Current connections might impact freight movement timeframes. • If future plans for airport expansion would materialize, an increase in truck traffic would need to be considered. 103 July 28, 2023 8 o Aircra� manufacturing is a targeted growth sector, which could generate new ac�vity in freight and handling. • Virginia Inland Port o Located in Warren County. o Currently, the four-lane road system at the Inland Port feels sufficient. • A lot of freight is transported by train (Norfolk Southern and CSX). Other Transportation and Demographic Studies • Logistics One Traffic Study • Study of traffic light at Route 50 and Independence Avenue • Crosspointe TIA, by Glaize Development • Carpers Valley project TIA • Equus Development TIA • Rumor of a private entity in talks with the State to add a toll road and build and manage the third and fourth lanes of I-81. • Transportation and demographic studies concerns: o 2020 Census could be underestimating total population in Frederick County. o Understand “real” versus “projected” traffic numbers. VDOT’s guidelines overestimate traffic projections, and most developers who carry out their own studies are meant to follow them. Some might have published their actual counts in a traffic impact analysis or an appendix as part of a rezoning study. o Reevaluation of Route 522, and a potential relocation and realignment of the intersection of Routes 50 and 522 Pedestrian/Bicyclist Concerns • Most local roads are like country roads with so� shoulders, no curb, guter, or walking paths; though people regularly try to walk and bike to/from downtown. • No shoulders on rural roads. • No sidewalks in subdivisions. Other Recommended Stakeholders • Public Safety Communications Department • Planning Department, Frederick County and Winchester City • Charles Daniels, VP, Fortessa, and Chair of the Board of Top of Virginia Regional Chamber [crdaniels@fortessa.com] • Chris Boies, Clarke County Administrator [cboies@clarkecounty.gov] • Adielle Rivera, Loan Officer with a local business, can reach out to Hispanic residents and business-owners [adielle.rivera@guildmortgage.net] • Ed Podboy, Logistics One, 703-608-9393 (mobile) 104 July 28, 2023 9 • Facebook group: “What’s Happening in Winchester and Frederick County, Virginia” • Jason Akins Developments • Industry: HP Hood, Trex, Rubbermaid, Southeastern Container, American Woodmark Cabinetry • Mike Perry of Perry, civil contractor who deals with traffic and trucks in the area • Denny Perry, quarry owner and truck operator • Dave Foley, Cargo Operator, Winchester Regional Airport • Chris Rucker, Valley Health System [crucker2@valleyhealthlink.com] • Jason Craig, EdD, BCBA, VHS Director, Community Health, 540-536-5949 (direct line) [jcraig@valleyhealthlink.com] • Winchester Wheelmen • WinFred MPO bike and pedestrian advocacy committee Other Groups • Spanish materials (18% of the City of Winchester are Hispanic) • There is not an overarching voice for businesses. The Chamber and “EDOs” can help promote public engagement opportuni�es to the businesses. Stakeholder Ideas • Build safer connectors (beter shoulders and curbs) to enable people to walk and bike. • Expand public transit to the County, especially the Westview Business Park Center, and major industrial and manufacturing employers. This could help atract talent. • Expand bike lanes and sidewalks. • Create a parkway with at-grade crossings and traffic moving at 45-55 mph, instead of a limited access highway. This would help move domes�c traffic stuck in I-81 traffic conges�on. o Would also allow for more development that can �e in with secondary feeder roads coming in at at-grade crossings. • Realign Redbud Road on the east side of I-81 to fix signal �ming issues. • Coordinate with City of Winchester on improving bike-ability, walkability, and public transporta�on, including on-demand transit. • Efficiency measures need to be put in place on I-81 so there aren’t issues/interac�ons between tractor trailers and personal vehicles. • Improvements to Coverstone Road through the One Logis�cs Park could help with reducing emergency response �me. • Improve Route 522 connection between airport and Inland Port; currently traffic congestion prohibits truckers to arrive on time. • Install shoulders on the rural/county roads to benefit the safety of bicyclists and drivers. 105 Lasted updated: July 14, 2023 1 Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Community Context Audit Interview Questions Subject: Commuter Concerns 1. Are you aware of transportation issues that affect local drivers’ ability to reach their destinations on time? 2. Other than I-81, are you aware of any commuter routes where local drivers experience traffic congestion? If so, what are those routes? Subject: Development/Growth 3. Are you aware of any recent or known planned developments that will generate truck traffic, or a large number of vehicles in the study area? 4. We are aware of the County’s urban growth areas and sewer/water service area. Are there any areas where growth/development should be limited or restricted? 5. As part of this study, we are looking at transportation studies completed by Frederick County and the WinFred MPO. Are you aware of studies developed by private industry, developers, or other governmental agencies that can help us better understand population or economic/job growth, traffic generators, proposed development, etc.? 6. Do you know if developers are being asked to participate in transportation improvements, through actual construction or transportation impact fees (TIFs), etc.? 7. Do you have any concerns about the transportation system impacting the environment or cultural and historic resources within the study area? Subject: Large Trucks 8. For non-businesses: Are there large trucks, such as tractor trailers or freight trucks, on local/residential roads? 9. For businesses: Do large trucks, such as tractor trailers or freight trucks, belonging to your business use local/residential roads? 106 Lasted updated: July 14, 2023 2 Subject: Emergency Services 10. Do you have knowledge of any specific emergency services/first responders concerns in the study area? Subject: School Bus Traffic Concerns 11. Are you aware of issues that school bus drivers and students have when traveling to/from school (conflicts with freight, access issues, speeding, etc.)? If so, what are they and where are the locations? Subject: Frederick County, VA Regional Airport 12. Is there any freight handling/shipping occurring at the regional airport? If so, which industries or companies are generating the freight? How is the freight getting to the airport). Subject: Virginia Inland Port 13. Do you have a relationship with the Virginia Inland Port? If so, what is that relationship and will it have an impact on traffic in general or to/from the Airport? Subject: Stakeholder Preferences/Demographics 14. Are you interested in receiving updates on the study? How do you prefer to receive your information? 15. Do you live and/or work in the study Area? What is your ZIP code? 16. Is there another individual or organization that you believe should be considered a key stakeholder in conjunction with this study? What is their name and contact information? 17. Are there any populations, communities, or groups in Frederick County who may need assistance to participate in a public meeting and/or need assistance with accessing project - related information in either a print or electronic format? For example, language barriers, lack of internet access, or no access to a personal vehicle. 107 1 Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Purpose and Needs Statements Survey Summary The Purpose and Needs Statements survey was initially shared with public meeting attendees at the Frederick County Transportation Forum on November 16, 2023. A digital version of the survey was made available to the public from December 20, 2023, through January 31, 2024. The digital version was posted on the Frederick County website to extend the opportunity for public input through the end of January 2024. A detailed compilation of the survey responses received (paper copies and digital) was provided to the County at the conclusion of the public comment period. A total of 148 surveys were submitted. The following summation is provided as a general overview of the survey results including the total number of responses received, the number/percentage of respondents who selected ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ as their response to each statement as presented, and the number of respondents who did not provide a response to specific statements. To receive a copy of the detailed version of the Purpose and Needs Statements survey summary, please contact Alexandra Castrechini at Amcastrechini@mccormicktaylor.com or by phone at (804) 915-1584. 148 Purpose and Needs Statement Surveys Received # of Responses/Statement Purpose and Needs Statement Topics Agree with Statements as Presented Disagree with Statements as Presented No Response Comments 1. Draft Purpose 139 (95%) 8 (5%) 1 2. Draft Need – Bicycle/Pedestrian 104 (86%) 17 (14%) 0 3. Draft Need - Congestion 95 (88%) 13 (12%) 40 4. Draft Need: Safety 92 (91%) 9 (9%) 47 5. Draft Need: Interstate 81 78 (79%) 21 (21%) 49 Additional Comments 28 Total Responses 508 Agree 68 Disagree 137 No Response 28 108 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 1 / 13 94.31%116 5.69%7 Q1 Do you agree with the Purpose statement as presented? Answered: 123 Sk ipped: 1 TOTAL 123 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00% Yes No ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No 109 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 2 / 13 Q2 If no, please state below the basis for your disagreement and how your concern may be addressed. Answered: 8 Skipped: 116 #RESPONSES DATE 1 The Route 37 bypass is a pipe dream. The County has out built itself in the areas required to fulfill it (i.e. Stonewall Industrial Park). It would cost the County a tremendous amount of money that c ould be better spent elsewhere. 1/21/2024 12:11 PM 2 But s pending money on Cons ultant s really is n’t the answer. Open your ey es and the answers to most of the is sues are obv ious. 1/20/2024 6:28 PM 3 Too many buz z words around important issues!1/19/2024 6:08 PM 4 I believ e spending money to create a plan that will never be funded is a waste of tax pay er money. I would recommend utiliz ing the last plan that inc luded RT 37 around the eas tern side of FC. 1/19/2024 4:01 PM 5 Route 37 will not be built on the proposed route bec ause neither the state nor local gov ernment has bought the land. 1/19/2024 10:57 AM 6 Bec aus e it's ev ident of the work needed on Rt 7 and Rt 50. Also remov al of st op lights and signs will keep traf fic mov ing constant ly. Maintain what y ou have already. Pleas e hav e a look in Loco to s ee their motorway s etups . 1/19/2024 10:10 AM 7 Need t o ex pand on, brief description of, or link to what is the propos ed Route 37 is .1/19/2024 7:48 AM 8 Stop the mass building and roadway improv ements won’t be needed 1/18/2024 11:26 PM 110 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 3 / 13 86.14%87 13.86%14 Q3 Do the Bicycle/Pedestrian Needs statements encompass the mobility issues in the project area adequately? Answered: 101 Sk ipped: 23 TOTAL 101 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00% Yes No ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No 111 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 4 / 13 Q4 If no, please explain what bicycle/pedestrian need(s) should be included and the area where the need(s) exist. Answered: 12 Sk ipped: 112 #RESPONSES DATE 1 The statements seem s omewhat disjoint ed. 2014 = infrastruc ture is lac k ing, but it seems that what does exis t is kinda OK. Then there is the totally subjective guess that current infrastructure is inadequate. Though subject ive, my personal obs erv ation is that bik ing needs are woefully and embarras s ing lac king, inc luding c ommunity connec tivity and linkages. 1/21/2024 12:54 PM 2 Focus more on pedes trian t raff ic as bik ers use the road ins tead of paved bike paths.1/21/2024 12:12 PM 3 This isn’t something that needs addressed as a priorit y.1/20/2024 6:28 PM 4 It pres umes roads are the problem, not having s idewalks and other pav ed equivalents away from the roads! 1/19/2024 6:11 PM 5 2014 was 10 years ago and little has been done to address shortc omings in this area. I believe the County returned $ around this time that c ould have expanded the shoulder on Sens eny Rd. Do not do a survey if leadership has no interest in acting. 1/19/2024 4:06 PM 6 They are dangerous. t hey refuse to follow t raff ic laws that pertain to them. There is already and iss ue wit h the traffic. Why ball it up with cyclist s? 1/19/2024 10:11 AM 7 The county is too large for bike travel alone to suff iciently address the majority of travel needs , though I am in favor of inc reas ing available bike trav el. Increases in public t rans port seems more viable with depots at larger residential areas, ex ample Shawneeland 1/19/2024 12:01 AM 8 None.1/18/2024 11:27 PM 9 Don't need no bik e lanes 1/18/2024 8:52 PM 10 Bic ycles and pedes trians is not a priority and s hould not be included in any transport ation plans . It’s abs urd. 1/18/2024 8:32 PM 11 60% of the network was deemed adequate or adequat e?” Something isn’t right here. The two are not a c hoice. Cons tituents should be provided the criteria. What is the other 40% id 60 is advanc ed riders or wors e? 40% is rideable.That s eems unlik ely. 1/18/2024 7:32 PM 12 Apple Pie Ridge Road 1/16/2024 4:16 PM 112 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 5 / 13 89.66%78 10.34%9 Q5 Do the Congestion Needs statements encompass the mobility issues in the project area adequately? Answered: 87 Sk ipped: 37 TOTAL 87 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00% Yes No ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No 113 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 6 / 13 Q6 If no, please explain what congestion need(s) should be included and the area where the need(s) exist. Additional space is available for feedback on page 6 of this survey. Answered: 12 Sk ipped: 112 #RESPONSES DATE 1 All that said, why is a new 700ish home s ubdiv ision being allow t o c onnect to VA-7 in the area noted? Again, obvious answers and people with k nowledge are not managing wit h the public’s best interes t. 1/20/2024 6:31 PM 2 All four areas mentioned require hav e issues, but most of the stated s olutions seem to be based on political as s umptions! 1/19/2024 6:15 PM 3 New dev elopments and increased t raff ic along Senseny Rd need to be addres s ed, particularly from the bridge on Sens eny Rd that div ides Winc hes ter and Frederick County to Senseny Glen Dr. Both turning lef t onto Senseny Rd from a side road where there is no light and turning left off of Senseny Rd to a side road where there is no light are is s ues. In addition during higher traf fic times , the s toplight-ed int ers ec tion at Sens eny Rd and Greenwood Rd often does not mov e bec ause the turn lane from Senseny Rd to Greenwood Rd is not long enough. 1/19/2024 5:40 PM 4 no more houses please 1/19/2024 5:32 PM 5 I believ e t he last bullet should s tate FC will not be able to approv e future new home construc tion plans until transportation and other infras tructure needs are addressed. 1/19/2024 4:10 PM 6 Think of the implic ations on s c hools and bus commutes !1/19/2024 11:23 AM 7 These ques tions are overly complicated for your ev eryday person. Even VDOT employees don't k now what they mean unless you taught them. 1/19/2024 10:13 AM 8 There is significant traf fic c oming east to west that is trying to get to the west of the City of Winches ter that has to go through Winchest er bec aus e there is no other direct or higher speed route. Connec tion from Route 7 south c onnect ing 7 and 50 to Route 37 would alleviate the conges tion at all the conges tion point s lis ted in the draft s tatement. A high speed on off ramp road lik e 37 wes t of Winc hester east of Winc hester would HIGHLY benef it traffic if it could route traffic from Rout e 7 and 50 to Exit 310 c onnect ing t o Route 37. 1/19/2024 7:57 AM 9 Warrior drive does not need to be c ontinued thru. We need to stop building and slow the growth. The county lac k s all infrast ruc ture and needs to f ix all issues before any more hous es are built 1/18/2024 10:20 PM 10 Additional dev elopment off Rt7 at the Fred co/Clark e Co line will increase volume on 7.1/18/2024 8:34 PM 11 Conges tion on Fairfax Pike, Main Street, and the Interat ate 81 307 interchange f ar supersedes any of these projects. It’s an embarrassment it’s not t he number one priority. 1/18/2024 8:33 PM 12 Merge lanes at ent ranc es to 81 and exit lanes off of 81 are too short and do not allow adequate dis tanc e t o mitigate c ongestion. 1/18/2024 7:39 PM 114 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 7 / 13 91.46%75 8.54%7 Q7 Do the Safety Needs statements encompass the mobility issues in the project area adequately? Answered: 82 Sk ipped: 42 TOTAL 82 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00% Yes No ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No 115 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 8 / 13 Q8 If no, please explain what safety need(s) should be included and the area where the need(s) exist. Answered: 8 Skipped: 116 #RESPONSES DATE 1 It s eems that the focus areas s olely involv e Rt 7. What other geographic problem/growth areas are under consideration to address ? 340, 522, 277, 11, etc . 1/21/2024 12:58 PM 2 See previous ans wers…..1/20/2024 6:31 PM 3 We need more roads and lanes on I81 1/19/2024 4:13 PM 4 Mos t of this will never be done bec ause the money goes to NOVA and RIC.1/19/2024 11:00 AM 5 Nobody unders tands your c raz y analytic s .1/19/2024 10:14 AM 6 Rus h hour traffic effect s needs to be studied on Sens eny. Signific ant traffic is diverting off of Valley Mill (7) down Greenwood to us e Senseny to cross through Winchest er t o get to 50 or 522 to avoid the conges tion on 7 f rom Greenwood into Winches ter on 7. Again a high s peed limited ac c ess road from 7 and 50 to Route 37 would eliminate signific ant conges tion. 1/19/2024 8:04 AM 7 The problem I see is lack of police enf orc ement in the areas in ques tion.1/18/2024 9:36 PM 8 Slowing traffic or rather c reating an atmosphere where drivers obs erv e pos ted speed limit may be necessary to improve saf ety on rt 7 between Winc hes ter and Clarke county. 1/18/2024 7:23 PM 116 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 9 / 13 77.78%63 22.22%18 Q9 Do the Interstate 81 Needs statements encompass the mobility issues in the project area adequately? Answered: 81 Sk ipped: 43 TOTAL 81 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%1 00% Yes No ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES Yes No 117 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 10 / 13 Q10 If no, please explain what Interstate 81 need(s) should be included and the area where the need(s) exist. Answered: 20 Sk ipped: 104 #RESPONSES DATE 1 I81 needs to be widened from MM296 to WV st ate line not just in the area of 313 to 317.1/21/2024 6:47 PM 2 Exit 310 needs much more improvement 1/21/2024 1:32 PM 3 There are already traffic cameras at the 317.1/21/2024 12:14 PM 4 You guys really c an’t figure out the basics…1/20/2024 6:32 PM 5 Exit 317 needs t o be done ASAP.1/20/2024 12:03 AM 6 Exit 307 conges tion issues are worse than at 313. Not sure why this would be ex c luded from this study s ince massiv e hous ing developments are being created whic h will further exacerbat e this problem. 1/19/2024 8:59 PM 7 Need t o add a longer entrance ramp at mile marker 317 NB and SB due to the incline and larger v ehicles trying to merge ont o the interstate at a slower s peed due to t he incline. 1/19/2024 8:33 PM 8 We need 3 lanes from the WV line through all of FC. Unfortunately I81 is one of the f ew roads in FC moving local traffic north and s outh of Winchester. 1/19/2024 4:16 PM 9 Exc eption of dis agreement is 37 11 interc hange is worse becaus e it's s lower & does n't f low. Should have been clov erleaf wit h merges not traffic signals 1/19/2024 1:58 PM 10 I-81 should be widened to 3 lanes (northbound and southbound) for all of Frederic k County VA to allev iate traffic conges tion and increase saf ety. 1/19/2024 8:31 AM 11 Widening should go from 321 to 310 t o ac tually facilitate reduc ing conges tion. Widening between 313 and 315 is already ac c omplis hed and helps and from 317 to 315 may help but it is limit ed in vis ion as traffic c ontinues to build. To really plan for the future widening from 321 to 310 will facilitate North South I-81 traffic for many years to come while helping to facilitate loc al traffic that may use the ex its between 310 and 321 to get to work, sc hool, appointments etc wit hout the need to go through the city. 1/19/2024 8:12 AM 12 I think the entire length of I-81 through Frederic k County s hould be widened, not jus t a few spot s. And what will the t raff ic cameras help with? 1/18/2024 10:29 PM 13 81 needs to be 3-4 lanes in both direct ions f rom wv line to shen co line 1/18/2024 10:23 PM 14 We s hould begin widening to 6 lanes beginning at the WV line just as WV is doing and complete this through Frederic k County. 1/18/2024 10:08 PM 15 Again, a lac k of police enforcement is what is needed here!1/18/2024 9:37 PM 16 The three lanes may address this- but there is a need to get slow mov ing truc k s out of t he lef t lane ex ac erbating the conges tion issue. 1/18/2024 8:37 PM 17 The 307 interchange is vas tly more important than any other project.1/18/2024 8:35 PM 18 Adding a right turn lane to enter I-81 South f rom Route 37 South (Ex it 310). It c an be dangerous to merge onto I-81 South f rom Route 37 South because of c ongestion from traffic coming from Route 11. 1/18/2024 7:41 PM 19 A separate truc k lane and longer merge lanes are needed.1/18/2024 7:41 PM 20 I’m not s ure widening I81 is a worthwhile invest ment. In plac es where I81 has been widened I find the t hird lane is either not nec essary, creates bottlenec ks when reducing bac k down to 2 lanes , or driv es traffic from loc al roads onto the int ers tate (Jev ons Paradox). If the primary iss ue wit h traffic on 81 is related to ac c ident c ongestion, does the third lane c reate any significant improvement in the event of an accident? 1/18/2024 7:29 PM 118 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 11 / 13 119 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 12 / 13 Q11 Please utilize the remaining space to provide additional project-related comments or questions. If a response is needed, please provide your name and email or US Postal Address so that we may respond accordingly. Answered: 20 Sk ipped: 104 #RESPONSES DATE 1 Exit 307 causes major conges tion on Fairfax Pike. Extending Rt37 t o Warrior Drive could help alleviate some of this is s ue. 1/21/2024 6:48 PM 2 Explore adding a right turn lane at greenwood road and rt 7 light 1/20/2024 7:26 PM 3 Until the polit icians profiting of the Count y’s growth are replac ed with people that unders tand the most bas ic traffic engineering principles , Frederick County is doomed. Remember, a straight line is t he best way to get from point A to B. 1/20/2024 6:34 PM 4 Fix the traffic issues at Rout e 7 and I 81 (ex it 317) and at Ex it 307.1/19/2024 9:00 PM 5 Traffic in the route 11/81/37 area des perately needs to be addres sed 1/19/2024 8:55 PM 6 We are was ting local taxpay er money c reating plans state lawmakers are not c ommitted to funding. Our elected state repres entatives need to get more s tate trans portation money for our area. They are failing in this regard. Not s ure this plan does much more than spend loc al tax dollars instead of using them on s erv ices for our residents . 1/19/2024 4:30 PM 7 Timing of traffic light needs to be addres s ed, espec ially at the inters ection of US 50 & 522 as well as on 522 directly south of US 50 1/19/2024 3:04 PM 8 While I agree with the previous s tatements wit hin t he s tudy I c annot stress enough the need for change in the traffic on rout e 11 from Old Charles town Rd to t he route 11 s plit into downtown. The inability to merge traffic , the lights being improperly s taggered, and the traffic. The current infrastructure does not meet the needs of the rapid ex pansion the area has experienc ed. 1/19/2024 2:51 PM 9 Building the remainder of the route 37 loop on the eas t side of winc hester will make t raff ic in this area immeas urably better. 1/19/2024 11:25 AM 10 I think even a toll lane “fast lane” on Rt 7 would help fund more polic e pres enc e to eliminate speeding and people generally driving aggres s ively would be helpf ul as well as easing up some of t he c ongestion. 1/19/2024 11:07 AM 11 Safety improv ements much needed on Rt7 between Frederick and Clark s Counties, partic ularly the left turn from Rt7 westbound onto Valley Mill. And the c ongest ion at Rt7 and I 81 (too many lraffic within a small s ection on 7) and the I81 Rt11/37 ex it (again too many traffic lights within a s mall area c ontributing to t he c on.) Als o, t he traffic light timing cycles need adjus ted for the light at Valley Mill to get onto I81 and Rt7. 1/19/2024 2:51 AM 12 Please s top the mas s s ubdivisions !1/18/2024 11:29 PM 13 The I 81 and 7 exit c ould be bet ter handled c urrent ly with better traffic signaingl in the mean time. Thank you for this study 1/18/2024 11:17 PM 14 I appreciate t he c hanges that are being proposed. They are urgently needed as t he c ounty has allowed continued growth wit hout c ons idering the infrastructure. 1/18/2024 10:11 PM 15 Inv estigat e the area polic e to find out why they are not enforc ing driving laws in thes e areas adequately. 1/18/2024 9:38 PM 16 The Rt 11/81 intersec tion and ex tended s tretc h from Rutherford crossing to the start of 37 is one of the mos t frustrating s tretc hes of road I’v e ev er encountered. There are too many lights 1/18/2024 8:39 PM 120 Eastern Frederic k County Transportation Study 13 / 13 that are not synchroniz ed. I ’m not sure what a divergent diamond is, but it s eems that adding flyovers and eliminating light s would help. 17 If and when Warrior drive is ex tended to 37 Tas ker Rd will need improvements . Sev eral lef t turns bet ween whit e oak and Tas k er lack lef t turn lanes. I believe that Warrior and Tasker would be well s uited for s ome s ort of large traf fic c ircle des ign that could incorporate more safe pedestrian cros sing. The same c ould be said for other int ers ec tions. Forc ed right turn only from s ome neighborhoods with a short distanc e to a traffic c irc le where direction could be changed would help s low traffic and eliminate left t urns and reduce crashes. The issues wit h exit 307 need to be addressed as well. May be one direc tion c ros s ing at a time is a better solution for the time being. J onathan Luety jluety@hotmail.c om 1/18/2024 8:09 PM 18 Exit 317/Route 11/Welltown Road/Red Bud Road area is a mess. Next to prioritiz e f ix in the near term (2 y ears or less). 1/16/2024 7:24 PM 19 There needs to be an assessment of some “Quic k fix /Low Cost” areas. For example, there are cont inuing wrecks at t he SB 310 Ex it on I-81. When y ou c ome down this ex it there is a cont inuous “appearing” lane that s uddenly ends . There are no signs, no arrows on the pavement , it jus t ends and y ou have two v ehicles s uddenly in the same lane. I know there are others . Least ex perienced VDOT work ers need to driv e around and just f ollow the s igns or lack of signs and indicators .. (To find out t he worst ones , hold a contest with VDOT workers with a small c as h award or a day off.) Thanks for listening Brenda.belew@hotmail.com 1/16/2024 4:25 PM 20 Rural hous ing off of woods mill & burnt fac tory s houldn’t be affec ted.1/16/2024 4:12 PM 121 Winchester/Frederick County Regional Transportation Projects Public Meeting Frederick County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room Thursday, March 14, 2024 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Meeting Agenda 1. Meeting Registration 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 2. Welcome and Introductions John Bishop, Assistant Director Frederick County 3. EFCTS Transportation Study & Alexandria Castrechini, P.E. Safe Streets for All Project Presentations Project Manager, McCormick Taylor, Inc. 4. Visit Plans Displays & Complete Comment Forms 5. Meeting Concludes 8:00 p.m. Accommodations: Onsite Spanish Language Translator: Diana Patterson 122 Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study Project Overview Frederick County, Virginia has hired McCormick Taylor, Inc., an engineering, planning and environmental consulting firm, to perform a study of transportation issues (needs) and possible solutions for the area to the east of the City of Winchester. The study area will generally include Interstate 81 (I-81) in the west to the Frederick County/Clarke County line in the east; and will extend from Route 761 on the north side of the city to the Tasker Road area east of the I-81 Exit 310. You can view a map of the study area on the second page of this document. Data collection and analysis efforts will focus on traffic data, including current and future projections (generally a 20-year horizon). Traffic generated by new and pending development within, or that influence the transportation network in the study area, will be included in the analyses. The traffic data will be supplemented with existing background information and local knowledge provided by various key stakeholders and the public. Opportunities for public engagement and input will be announced on the County’s website, along with updates on the study. The purpose of the study is to identify and document specific transportation needs. Possible solutions for these needs will then be developed as concepts. The public will then have opportunities to provide input on both the needs and any conceptual solutions. Once the conceptual solutions have been refined for public comment, an implementation plan that is expected to include a prioritized list of improvements with estimates of probable costs will be developed for the County’s use for implementation of funding for transportation improvements in the study area. The study team is aware of previous efforts to pursue a Route 37 east bypass around Winchester. A bypass will be considered, along with other possible transportation improvements, during the conceptual solution development and analysis process. The goal of the study is to develop a well- defined and documented set of transportation needs to be addressed by a prioritized and fiscally implementable set of transportation improvements. Additional recommendations, beyond transportation improvements, such as land use or access management controls, may also be included in the final plan. 123 Project Area for the Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study (EFCTS) 124 1 Public Comment Form March 14, 2024 Thank you for attending our meeting this evening. The County and its EFCTS Consultant Project Team would appreciate your feedback. Please place your completed form in the designated drop box or scan a copy of your completed form and send it to Alexandra Castrechini at amcastrechini@mccormicktaylor.com. If you would like to receive a response to your comment(s), please provide your name, email address or US Postal Address in the box below so that we may respond accordingly. Thank you in advance for your participation. Please note your comments/questions below and use the back of this sheet if you need additional space. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ and/or US Postal Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ (City) (State) Zip Code 125 2 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ 126 3 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ 127 MEMORANDUM \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Date: May 10, 2024 To: Alexandra Castrechini Work Order Number: 45792.000 From: Jonathan Avner Subject: EFCTS Traffic Study – Travel Demand Modeling Project: EFCTS Traffic Study CC: Other recipients The purpose of this memorandum is to document the development and use of the outputs of the WinFred Regional Travel Demand Model for use in the EFCTS Traffic Study Update. Information provided in this memorandum includes details regarding base model development with new zonal data, model validation, demographic comparisons, demand analysis, and results that compare 2050 no build assumptions to 2050 future year alternative scenarios. Development of EFCTS Traffic Study Model WRA was provided the 2015 WinFred Regional Travel Demand Model to develop the alternative forecasts for this study. In preparing the model for use in the study a new model base year of 2019 was defined as well as updating the model to include the latest socioeconomic data from the MPO. The traffic analysis zones (TAZ) for the WinFred Regional Travel Demand Model area are shown in Figure 1. The EFCTS Traffic Study area encompasses the eastern half of the WinFred Regional Travel Demand Model. The model zones that are part of the study area are outlined in Figure 2. 128 May 8, 2024 Page 2 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 1 WinFred Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) 129 May 8, 2024 Page 3 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 2: Study Area Zones 130 May 8, 2024 Page 4 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Zonal Data Updates Using the socioeconomic data provided by the MPO, Table 1 provides a summary of the zonal demographic inputs for the 2015 WinFred Regional Travel Demand Model and the new model base year of 2019. Table 1: Zonal Demographic Totals (Source: MPO) Variable 2015 2019 POP 106,316 119,846 HH 39,889 48,485 WORK 52,973 64,562 VEH 79,832 97,955 HTRET 6,132 7,152 IND 14,671 16,560 OFF 4,733 5,422 RET 7,097 6,062 SER 17,339 19,734 EMP 55,504 54,930 2019 Network Assumptions The 2015 roadway network was used to create the 2019 network. The primary change included updating the network to reflect recent projects that have been completed in the region. The only project added was Crossover Boulevard as shown in Figure 3. 131 May 8, 2024 Page 5 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 3: Roadway Network Changes 132 May 8, 2024 Page 6 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Base Year (2019) Model Validation The 2019 model results were evaluated against 2019 counts from VDOT’s database. The percent error by roadway type and percent RMSE by volume group were calculated and compared against the documented 2015 model validation results. Table 2 reports the percent error by Roadway Type. The Target or Criterion is based on the VDOT Travel Model Policy Guidelines. Table 3 reports the Percent RMSE calculated by volume group with the assigned Target or Criterion as established by VDOT. Table 2: Percent Error by Facility Type Roadway Type 2015 2019 Target Freeway 3.0 3.6 +/- 7 Major Arterial -2.1 8.8 +/- 10 Minor Arterial -4.7 18.9 +/- 15 Collector & Local 2.7 22.5 +/- 20 Total 2.0 6.34 +/- 5 Table 3: Percent RMSE by Volume Group Volume Group 2015 2019 Target 0 – 5000 29.09 38.2 100 5000 – 10000 25.36 38.2 45 10000 – 20000 19.64 17.2 35 20000 – 50000 6.81 11.8 27 Total 19.12 18.4 40 The 2019 model meets the validation targets by volume group and by percent error by roadway type for freeways and major arterials. Because the 2019 zonal data has changed significantly from the past model inputs, the change in validation results is anticipated. Given the ability to meet several of the criterion as established by VDOT for the region and on higher level facilities, the model is considered suitable for the evaluation included in this study. 133 May 8, 2024 Page 7 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Demand Comparison Using Streetlight At the request of VDOT, comparisons were made between the 2019 Winfred Regional Travel Demand Model and Streetlight observed data for 2019. The analysis was completed by aggregating the TAZs to a system of districts. Figure 4 shows a map displaying the reference numbers assigned to each district. Figure 4 District Reference Map Comparisons were made for each district to all other districts. Intra-district flows were intentionally removed and are shown as blanks/zeros below. Table 4 presents the district-to-district flow differences between StreetLight to the model daily trip data. The top 10 highest volume differences are highlighted in red, and a decrease in volume shown in parentheses implies a negative difference. Table 5 reports the ranking of trip interchanges with the top 10 highest trip pairs highlighted in red. Figure 4 is used as a reference map for Tables 4 and 5. Following are the specifications used in extracting information from StreetLight. This period was selected to be consistent with the 2019 model scenario: • Data Period: Apr 01, 2019 to May 31, 2019 and Sep 01, 2019 to Oct 31, 2019 • Day Type: Weekday (Mon. – Thur.) • Day Part: All Day (12am to 12am) 134 May 8, 2024 Page 8 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Table 4 District to District Trip Volume Differences from 2019 Winchester Street Light to 2019 Model Table 5 District to District Trip Volume Rankings from 2019 Winchester Street Light to 2019 Model District to District 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1 (54) (98) 174 152 452 2,707 1,840 94 132 (363) 107 103 3 180 (1,333) 18 (676) (187) 2 (107) 95 377 34 448 5,851 5,171 (34) 49 (28) 157 45 18 (109) (255) 333 520 (735) 3 (215) 39 (74) 242 92 551 418 134 48 (25) 196 69 14 (369) (682) 562 (195) (881) 4 213 371 (82) 519 93 1,515 5,154 (237) 59 (85) 159 5 35 (599) 444 358 62 (86) 5 137 18 238 605 82 803 2,153 211 22 (27) 65 8 11 (295) 384 95 36 123 6 608 493 126 77 93 1,804 1,153 31 241 (595) 134 66 78 (367) (1,428) 20 (323) (142) 7 2,398 5,748 456 1,503 790 1,783 4,312 1,002 735 549 1,920 433 213 178 (184) 1,084 1,563 60 8 1,762 4,903 178 4,799 2,139 1,208 4,991 1,582 393 (34) 1,400 505 161 (1,189) (286) 804 (38) (494) 9 92 43 136 (53) 49 99 962 1,646 8 (342) 244 250 4 (841) 394 55 (225) 79 10 185 55 41 51 19 284 763 407 2 (275) 77 - 905 30 146 53 (45) 29 11 (274) 5 20 (50) (31) (469) 894 183 (380) (264) (493) (212) (621) (17) (31) (350) 3 58 12 158 152 175 122 62 156 1,880 1,441 164 84 (303) 49 333 86 202 (20) (56) 107 13 117 47 77 8 (23) 67 403 550 223 8 (155) 49 3 31 51 29 - 15 14 62 33 (21) 29 3 95 234 172 (25) 923 (615) 347 (2) (25) 73 11 (136) 369 15 232 (122) (404) (580) (360) 4 169 (1,104) (744) 40 (13) 96 35 (41) 10,527 255 (837) 206 16 (1,214) (255) (634) 440 455 (2,028) (378) (305) 334 140 (71) 202 56 75 11,140 65 136 (514) 17 36 332 569 339 93 30 963 816 1 54 (124) (21) 31 17 254 44 (10) - 18 (1,022) 896 (100) 185 82 (283) 1,597 (77) (204) (26) (60) 11 13 (88) (585) 189 (22) 50 19 (208) (743) (710) (125) 119 (103) (2) (568) 86 30 42 99 15 384 203 (481) (1) 46 District to District 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1 264 274 107 116 58 11 17 140 125 308 131 133 229 103 340 210 327 286 2 277 137 70 195 59 3 5 257 177 254 114 184 210 278 294 77 52 330 3 291 190 268 85 144 49 63 123 181 249 98 158 216 310 328 48 287 335 4 91 71 270 53 141 25 6 293 167 271 112 225 193 323 60 73 163 272 5 120 210 87 46 149 41 13 93 206 253 161 221 218 301 68 137 191 127 6 45 55 126 153 141 18 30 197 86 322 123 160 152 309 341 207 304 283 7 12 4 56 26 42 19 10 32 44 51 15 62 91 104 285 31 24 166 8 20 8 104 9 14 29 7 23 67 257 28 54 111 338 300 40 259 317 9 144 186 121 263 177 134 34 21 221 305 84 83 227 334 66 170 292 151 10 100 170 188 174 209 80 43 64 233 298 153 235 36 200 118 173 261 203 11 297 225 207 262 255 314 38 102 312 296 316 290 325 243 255 306 229 168 12 113 116 106 128 163 115 16 27 110 148 302 177 77 146 96 244 265 131 13 130 182 153 221 248 159 65 50 90 221 284 177 229 197 174 203 235 214 14 163 196 245 203 229 137 88 108 249 35 324 74 239 249 157 218 282 72 15 89 279 313 320 307 227 109 337 332 189 242 136 193 260 2 81 333 94 16 339 294 326 61 57 342 311 303 76 119 267 96 169 156 1 161 121 318 17 191 79 47 75 141 200 33 39 234 172 280 245 197 213 82 185 241 235 18 336 37 275 100 149 299 22 269 288 252 266 218 217 273 321 99 247 176 19 289 331 329 281 129 276 239 319 146 200 187 134 214 68 95 315 238 183 1 - 10 Highest Trip Pairs 135 May 8, 2024 Page 9 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx No Build Model Updates The regional travel demand model, as provided by VDOT for this study, was modified to include a 2019 and 2050 set of model years. To create the 2019 and 2050 zonal demographics, data developed by the MPO to support future model efforts was adapted to the provided model structure. This included aggregation of zonal data based on new zone splits the MPO has developed. The external station volumes for 2019 were set to be equal to available count data from VDOT. 2050 external station forecasts were developed by applying the 2015 to 2040 MPO annual growth rates to the 2019 count data. Table 6 provides a summary of the zonal demographic inputs for 2019 and 2050. Table 6: Zonal Demographic Totals (Source: MPO) Variable 2019 2050 POP 119,846 167,159 HH 48,485 67,063 WORK 64,562 87,110 VEH 97,955 131,849 HTRET 7,152 9,487 IND 16,560 25,265 OFF 5,422 6,786 RET 6,062 8,151 SER 19,734 26,849 EMP 54,930 83,410 Socioeconomic data comparisons between 2019 and 2050 are shown in the figures below. The map in Figure 5 highlights the change in population by zone and Figure 6 displays the change in employment by zone. The color- coded maps range from lighter to darker colors, exhibiting the least amount of change to the greatest, respectively. 136 May 8, 2024 Page 10 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 5 Change in Population between 2019 and 2050 137 May 8, 2024 Page 11 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 6 Change in Employment between 2019 and 2050 Demand Analysis District-to-district trip volume growth is shown from the 2019 model to the forecasted 2050 model data results. Intra- district flows were intentionally removed and shows as blanks/zeros. Table 7 shows the district-to-district volume growth with the highest volume growth displayed in red, and Table 8 displays the rankings with the top 10 highest trip pairs highlighted in red. A decrease in volume growth is shown in parentheses. Figure 4 is used as a reference map for Tables 7 and 8. 138 May 8, 2024 Page 12 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Table 7 District to District Trip Volume Growth from 2022 to 2050 Table 8 District to District Trip Volume Growth Ranking from 2022 to 2050 District to District 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1 1,692 726 846 291 1,347 2,481 1,521 668 45 303 145 51 73 671 469 49 1,119 189 2 1,677 1,906 878 134 990 3,527 1,574 588 21 270 73 13 21 115 252 7 2,116 103 3 710 1,905 1,760 401 369 1,995 1,924 454 39 172 213 44 49 124 295 244 343 118 4 818 863 1,757 2,862 579 1,905 2,511 1,824 33 207 122 55 43 287 1,245 84 642 366 5 278 129 400 2,861 212 321 61 816 9 57 24 16 11 82 541 8 171 138 6 1,360 1,003 373 582 217 1,160 794 443 188 256 185 56 124 555 279 24 372 104 7 2,478 3,531 1,977 1,875 307 1,187 4,517 752 (102) 427 41 (90) (69) 863 1,785 (141) 2,426 632 8 1,561 1,570 1,920 2,500 56 810 4,455 339 (47) 276 (174) (69) (41) 515 1,545 (28) 1,322 534 9 683 568 444 1,823 816 450 754 346 43 153 286 197 71 139 739 19 297 181 10 45 21 38 31 9 189 (100) (45) 43 81 2 1 54 15 83 (11) 35 22 11 304 274 162 202 56 259 429 277 152 81 240 13 90 71 182 (9) 142 84 12 146 75 206 121 23 187 45 (175) 285 2 240 23 31 41 180 (19) 103 81 13 51 13 43 55 16 56 (90) (69) 197 1 13 23 2 5 26 (10) 17 7 14 73 21 49 41 11 125 (68) (39) 70 54 90 31 2 10 75 (10) 29 143 15 671 115 124 287 82 555 863 515 139 15 71 41 5 10 11,244 (93) 95 33 16 469 252 295 1,245 541 279 1,785 1,545 739 83 182 180 26 75 11,275 115 935 242 17 49 7 244 84 8 24 (141) (28) 19 (11) (9) (19) (10) (10) (93) 115 (3) - 18 1,119 2,116 343 642 171 372 2,426 1,322 297 35 142 103 18 29 96 934 (3) 47 19 189 103 118 366 138 104 632 534 181 22 84 81 7 143 34 242 - 47 District to District 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1 31 67 57 117 40 11 38 72 239 112 166 231 214 70 89 233 47 147 2 32 21 53 175 50 6 33 77 273 128 214 285 273 185 131 297 15 191 3 68 22 29 97 102 17 19 91 251 159 140 242 233 178 115 133 106 183 4 58 54 30 7 79 22 9 25 256 142 181 227 243 118 43 199 73 103 5 124 176 98 8 141 109 221 59 293 222 265 281 289 205 83 295 160 173 6 39 49 99 78 139 46 62 94 150 130 152 223 178 81 122 265 100 189 7 12 5 18 24 110 45 3 64 338 96 247 333 330 54 27 339 13 75 8 35 34 20 10 223 61 4 108 328 126 341 330 326 87 36 323 41 85 9 69 80 93 26 59 92 63 105 243 163 120 145 217 171 65 277 113 155 10 239 273 252 258 293 147 337 327 243 207 303 307 229 283 203 319 253 271 11 111 127 162 144 223 129 95 125 164 207 137 285 197 217 153 313 169 199 12 165 211 143 182 268 151 239 342 121 303 137 268 258 247 157 321 191 207 13 231 285 243 227 281 223 333 330 145 307 285 268 303 301 263 315 280 297 14 214 273 233 247 289 177 329 325 220 229 197 258 303 291 211 315 261 167 15 70 185 178 118 205 81 54 87 171 283 217 247 301 291 2 335 196 256 16 89 131 115 43 83 122 27 36 65 203 153 157 263 211 1 185 51 135 17 233 297 133 199 295 265 339 323 277 319 313 321 315 315 335 185 311 309 18 47 15 106 73 160 100 13 41 113 253 169 191 279 261 195 52 311 237 19 147 191 183 103 173 189 75 85 155 271 199 207 297 167 255 135 309 237 1 - 10 Highest Trip Pairs 139 May 8, 2024 Page 13 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx No Build Model Results Overall growth in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) between 2019 and 2050 is 1.7% calculated using a linear growth rate. This growth aligns with the growth in households (1.2% per year) and external traffic (1.8% per year). Table 9 provides a summary of the VMT by facility type for the two model years. Table 9: VMT by Facility Type FACTYPE 2019 2050 Interstate 1.00 1,438,062.62 2,233,954.67 Minor Freeway 2.00 244,690.57 413,828.05 Pri Art 4.00 936,733.21 1,410,430.91 Maj Art 5.00 541,896.80 800,127.68 Min Art 6.00 697,129.38 1,133,993.47 Maj Col 7.00 130,599.83 197,643.67 Min Col 8.00 249,522.89 395,626.90 Ramp 10.00 91,349.15 122,719.23 CC 11.00 419,921.92 581,948.96 External 12.00 210,209.44 348,358.47 Total 4,960,115.81 7,638,632.01 Roadway link volume/capacity (v/c) ratios were examined to uncover any links with high vehicle volumes to capacity in the study area. V/C ratios for the network links in both the 2019 and 2050 models were assessed at level-of- service (LOS) D. To facilitate a comparison between 2019 and 2050, Figures 7 and 8 show color coded maps of v/c ratios for several criteria ranges. The 2019 model reveals scattered areas where the v/c ratio indicates volumes that exceed available capacity on minor and major arterials. In comparison, the 2050 model shows that the potential roadway demand exceeds the available capacity for the majority of Interstate 81 and several major collectors within the study area. Additionally, Figures 9 and 10 show the daily model volumes along the roadways in the WinFred Regional Travel Demand Model study area. 140 May 8, 2024 Page 14 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 7: 2019 Volume/Capacity Ratio Figure 8: 2050 Volume/Capacity Ratio 141 May 8, 2024 Page 15 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 9: 2019 Daily Directional Volumes Figure 10: 2050 Daily Directional Volumes 142 May 8, 2024 Page 16 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Model Forecasting Two proposed build alternatives are presented for the year 2050: one at the southern end and the other at the northern end of the study area. The volumes for both future year scenarios are compared to the 2050 no build volumes. Additionally, both the no build and build scenarios were modified to include a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at I-81 Exit 317 and SR 11 Martinsburg Pike. Southern Build Proposed Alternatives The model assumptions for the 2050 southern build alternative are described in Table 10 and highlighted in Figure 11. Volume comparisons for this alternative to the no build model are shown in Figures 12 and 13. The change in volume is displayed in Figure 14. Table 10 Southern Build Alternative Assumptions Southern Build Alternative Model Assumptions SR 37 Bypass Divided facility with 2 lanes in each direction Speed at 55pmh Warrior Drive Ext Undivided facility with 1 lane in each direction At grade with SR 37 Bypass Speed at 35mph SR 522 Front Royal Pike At grade with SR 37 Bypass Tasker Road At grade with SR 37 Bypass Northern Build Proposed Alternatives The model assumptions for the northern build alternative are described in Table 11 and highlighted in Figure 15. Volume comparisons for this alternative to the no build model are shown in Figures 16 and 17. The change in volumes is displayed in Figure 18. Table 11 Northern Build Alternative Assumptions Northern Build Alternative Model Assumptions SR 37 Divided facility with 2 lanes in each direction Speed at 55pmh SR 7 Berryville Pike At grade with SR 37 Snowden Bridge Blvd At grade with SR 37 Wood Mill Rd At grade with SR 37 143 May 8, 2024 Page 17 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 11 Southern Build - Model Assumptions 144 May 8, 2024 Page 18 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 12 Southern No-Build - Volumes Figure 13 Southern Build - Volumes 145 May 8, 2024 Page 19 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 14 Southern Build Volume Deltas - Build minus No Build 146 May 8, 2024 Page 20 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 15 Northern Build – Model Assumptions 147 May 8, 2024 Page 21 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 16 Northern No Build - Volumes Figure 17 Northern Build - Volumes 148 May 8, 2024 Page 22 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 18 Northern Build Volume Deltas – Build minus No Build 149 May 8, 2024 Page 23 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Full 2050 Build A full 2050 proposed build was completed that includes the entire SR 37 Bypass. For this scenario, the bypass was modeled as a four lane, limited access highway. V/C ratios for the network links in both the 2050 no build and 2050 build models were assessed at level-of-service (LOS) D. To facilitate a comparison between 2050 no build and 2050 build, Figures 19 and 20 show color coded maps of v/c ratios for several criteria ranges. The 2050 no build model shows that the potential roadway demand exceeds the available capacity for the majority of Interstate 81 and several major collectors within the study area. In comparison, with inclusion of the entire Route 37 bypass, the model shows a decrease in the v/c ratios for most of the major collectors with roadway demand falling below the available capacity. However, the majority of Interstate 81 continues to show potential roadway demand exceeding available capacity. Additionally, Figures 21 and 22 show the daily model volumes along the roadways in the WinFred Regional Travel Demand Model study area for the 2050 no build and build models. 150 May 8, 2024 Page 24 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 19: 2050 Volume/Capacity Ratio - No Build Figure 20: 2050 Volume/Capacity Ratio - Build 151 May 8, 2024 Page 25 Work Order Number 45792.000 \\vrserver\projects1\10590_VA_NSVRC_OnCall\01_Rt_37_East_Study\200_Disciplines\260_Planning\PLANNING REPORT DRAFT\Appendices\ECFTS - Model Application 05 10 2024 WRA.docx Figure 21: 2050 Daily Directional Volumes – No Build Figure 22: 2050 Daily Directional Volumes - Build 152 Time of Day: AM Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build Time of Day: AM Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)7,758 8,219 8,309 8,266 FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)-6%-1%1%0% FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)1,761 1,115 1,052 1,053 FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)67%6%0%0% FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)5,215 5,750 5,476 5,771 FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)-10%0%-5%0% FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)3,099 3,161 3,227 3,212 FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)-4%-2%0%0% FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)3,875 4,458 4,748 4,968 FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)-22%-10%-4%0% FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)694 713 722 726 FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)-4%-2%-1%0% FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)1,552 1,571 1,625 1,637 FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)-5%-4%-1%0% FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)688 531 531 560 FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)23%-5%-5%0% Total VHT 24,642 25,518 25,690 26,193 Total VHT -6%-3%-2%0% AM Change in VHT Compared to No Build 153 Time of Day: MD Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build Time of Day: MD Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)24,686 25,988 26,188 26,178 FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)-6%-1%0%0% FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)4,703 2,985 2,817 2,798 FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)68%7%1%0% FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)12,853 14,268 13,779 14,233 FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)-10%0%-3%0% FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)8,468 8,758 8,728 8,648 FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)-2%1%1%0% FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)10,189 11,469 12,307 12,666 FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)-20%-9%-3%0% FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)1,798 1,823 1,847 1,863 FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)-3%-2%-1%0% FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)4,046 4,155 4,206 4,319 FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)-6%-4%-3%0% FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)1,698 1,337 1,319 1,366 FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)24%-2%-3%0% Total VHT 68,441 70,783 71,191 72,071 Total VHT -5%-2%-1%0% MD Change in VHT Compared to No Build 154 Time of Day: PM Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build Time of Day: PM Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)6,496 6,907 7,119 7,132 FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)-9%-3%0%0% FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)2,216 1,429 1,324 1,321 FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)68%8%0%0% FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)6,083 6,675 6,550 6,705 FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)-9%0%-2%0% FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)4,298 4,422 4,523 4,484 FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)-4%-1%1%0% FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)5,094 5,734 6,214 6,438 FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)-21%-11%-3%0% FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)804 813 822 829 FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)-3%-2%-1%0% FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)1,904 1,980 2,005 2,034 FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)-6%-3%-1%0% FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)951 784 788 809 FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)18%-3%-3%0% Total VHT 27,846 28,744 29,345 29,752 Total VHT -6%-3%-1%0% PM Change in VHT Compared to No Build 155 Time of Day: NT Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build Time of Day: NT Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)9,147 9,577 9,565 9,584 FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)-5%0%0%0% FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)2,150 1,312 1,295 1,276 FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)68%3%1%0% FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)6,157 6,635 6,437 6,658 FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)-8%0%-3%0% FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)3,701 3,781 3,661 3,635 FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)2%4%1%0% FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)4,170 4,553 4,890 4,887 FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)-15%-7%0%0% FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)3,931 4,338 4,619 4,732 FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)-17%-8%-2%0% FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)1,731 1,742 1,745 1,769 FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)-2%-2%-1%0% FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)762 690 657 701 FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)9%-2%-6%0% Total VHT 31,749 32,628 32,869 33,242 Total VHT -4%-2%-1%0% NT Change in VHT Compared to No Build 156 Time of Day: Daily Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build Time of Day: Daily Full Bypass Build Southern Section Northern Section No Build FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)48,087 50,691 51,181 51,160 FACTYPE 1 (Interstate)-6%-1%0%0% FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)10,830 6,841 6,488 6,448 FACTYPE 2 (Minor Freeway)68%6%1%0% FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)30,308 33,328 32,242 33,367 FACTYPE 4 (Principal Arterial)-9%0%-3%0% FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)19,566 20,122 20,139 19,979 FACTYPE 5 (Major Arterial)-2%1%1%0% FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)23,328 26,214 28,159 28,959 FACTYPE 6 (Minor Arterial)-19%-9%-3%0% FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)7,227 7,687 8,010 8,150 FACTYPE 7 (Major Collector)-11%-6%-2%0% FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)9,233 9,448 9,581 9,759 FACTYPE 8 (Minor Collector)-5%-3%-2%0% FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)4,099 3,342 3,295 3,436 FACTYPE 10 (Ramp)19%-3%-4%0% Total VHT 152,678 157,673 159,095 161,258 Total VHT -5%-2%-1%0% Daily Change in VHT Compared to No Build 157 Transportation Committee Agenda Item Detail Meeting Date: October 28, 2024 Agenda Section: Capital Improvement Plan Update Title: Capital Improvement Plan Update Attachments: TC10-28-24CapitalImprovementPlanUpdate.pdf 158 159 Transportation Committee Agenda Item Detail Meeting Date: October 28, 2024 Agenda Section: County Project Updates Title: County Project Updates Attachments: TC10-28-24CountyProjectUpdates.pdf 160 Item 5: County Project Updates Renaissance Drive: County contractor work has largely stopped on site as we await CSX installation of the crossing itself which must be completed by their contractors per CSX requirements. The expected date has been pushed back by CSX several times and is currently December. Upon completion of the crossing installation, County contractors will be able to complete tie-ins and other ancillary work which should be able to be completed within 90 days of CSX completing their work. Gainesboro Road/Route 522 Intersection Project: Planning Staff and School Division Staff met with our consultant to direct the merging of the school's on-site needs to accommodate Gainesboro access with removal of any aspirational items and the road improvements into a single plan set and cost estimate. Route 37 (Eastern Frederick Transportation) Study: Elsewhere on today's agenda 161 Transportation Committee Agenda Item Detail Meeting Date: October 28, 2024 Agenda Section: Other Title: Veterans Road (Route 625) Paving Request Attachments: 162 Transportation Committee Agenda Item Detail Meeting Date: October 28, 2024 Agenda Section: Other Title: December Meeting Cancellation Attachments: TC10-28-24Other.pdf 163 164