HomeMy WebLinkAboutTCMinutes2026March23TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT to the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Monday, March 23, 2026
8:30 a.m.
107 NORTH KENT STREET, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
ATTENDEES:
Committee Members Present: John Jewell Chair (Voting), Jason Aikens (Voting), Robert
Liero (Voting) and Kevin Kenney (Voting)
Committee Members Absent: Dustin Simkhovitch (Voting) and Tim Stowe (Voting)
Staff Present: John Bishop, Assistant Director and Kathy Smith
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY:
Smartscale Update: Staff updated the Committee on the Smartscale cycle and preapplications.
The county is in the preapplication window for Smartscale, with up to 4 local applications, plus
additional potential applications via the MPO and Regional Commission. Priority project remains
I81 Exit 307, but changes in VDOT’s bridge section policies have reduced competitiveness. There
are concerns that VDOT has diminished appetite for blended projects (bridge repair + capacity
improvements). Exit 307 may require higher local funding leverage (possibly above 20%) to be
competitive.
Other potential preapps discussed include:
• Route 522 at Siler Road
• Route 50/Back Mountain Road
• Route 50 West at Stony Hill Road
• Route 522/37/Apple Pie Ridge improvements
• Route 7/Greenwood Road turn lane project
• Winchester Gateway upgrades and Route 7 continuous turnlane concept
• Diverging Diamond Interchange (37 & 50) delayed due to new study requirements
County Project Updates: Renaissance Drive: Currently, Staff are waiting for the final invoices from
the contractors. CSX equipment is to be picked up to complete closure and finalize reconciliations
on the project.
Gainesboro Road/Route522 Intersection Project: Surveying has been underway and 30% design
plan set is under review.
Other: Automated Enforcement: The Committee had strong support for expanding automated
enforcement with the school zone speed cameras. They have already produced high violation
counts. Plans to pursue construction zone speed cameras due to upcoming long-term I-81 works
were discussed as well with adding red-light cameras, which require an ordinance. The desire to
collaborate with VDOT on establishing standards for primary highway safety corridors (Route 7,
Route 50, Route 522). Also discussed were the significant concerns about speeding and dangerous
driving in school areas and major corridors.