TC 09-26-16 Meeting MinutesCOUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/ 665-5651
Fax: 540/ 665-6395
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: John A. Bishop, AICP, Assistant Director - Transportation
RE: Transportation Committee Report for Meeting of September 26, 2016
DATE: October 4, 2016
The Transportation Committee met on September 26, 2016 at 8:30 a.m.
Members Present Members Absent
Gary Lofton (voting) Mark Davis (liaison Middletown)
Judith McCann-Slaughter (voting) James Racey (voting)
Barry Schnoor(voting)
Lewis Boyer (liaison Stephens City)
Gary Oates (liaison PC)
Gene Fisher(voting)
***Items Requiring Action***
8. Other
Mrs. McCann-Slaughter noted that she felt that funding for the I-81 corridor
should be added to the Board’s Federal Legislative Agenda in addition to the State
Legislative Agenda.
MOTION
A motion was made by Mrs. McCann-Slaughter to recommend that the Board of
Supervisors add funding for the I-81 corridor to their Federal Legislative Agenda.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Fisher and passed unanimously.
MEMORANDUM
***Items Not Requiring Action***
1. Gainesboro School Entrance Improvements
Mr. Wayne Lee offered the schools schematic for Route 522 improvements and the
justification for it. He noted the expected cost is approximately $600,000. Mr. Fisher
noted that he believes a combination of a signal with the extended turn lane as well as
flashers downstream noting when there is a red ahead as he has observed in localities
elsewhere in the state. Ed Carter of VDOT noted that the signalization work would likely
approach $400,000 and that the Commonwealth Transportation Board is really holding
the line on introduction of signals to primary thoroughfares. It was also noted that this
entrance only meets one of VDOT's signal warrants which is below the current threshold.
Mr. Lee noted that the dry run they conducted of the proposed traffic plan was successful.
The Sheriff also noted that they are currently collecting speed data in that area. Mrs.
McCann-Slaughter noted that at JWMS in the past there were officers who staffed the
location at key times and would stop traffic to clear the bus traffic and asked if the School
Board had considered this. Mr. Lee noted that this was the practice in the past. Mr.
Oates noted that he feels the school’s proposal is a good compromise but noted that
speeds are a concern out there and that the school zone should possibly be extended even
further. Mr. Hess asked if this is seen as permanent or temporary. He noted access to
Gainesboro Road may be part of the solution. Mr. Lee noted that while this has been
discussed there are issues with spacing for the most direct route and that the secondary
route along the edge of the Adams farm that was considered did not ga in support though
he did not recall why. Mrs. McCann-Slaughter and Mr. Hess noted that this would be a
potentially good long term solution. Mr. Lofton asked whether there is still time to
investigate additional alternatives. Mrs. McCann-Slaughter asked about what we did at
Armel since that is a similar situation. Mr. Lee noted it is not as easy of a solution
because of greater volumes and significant grades. The entrance also does not meet
warrants and a ‘superstreet’ solution is not feasible due to topographical issues. He noted
that the best option there is to bring it to Macedonia Church Road. Mr. Fisher noted that
he feels we need to keep pushing for the signal at Armel and that he is willing to support
the School Board in this discussion with VDOT.
The Committee, by consensus, has requested that the school continue to investigate
alternative access via the Adams farm. Mr. Oates also noted that an entrance on
Gainesboro Road would reduce the number of buses coming onto Route 522.
2. Upcoming Commonwealth Transportation Board Meeting
As noted on the attached correspondence, on October 25, 2016 the
Commonwealth Transportation Board and Secretary of Transportation will be
holding an open house followed by a town hall meeting format. While the
invitation notes there will be no formal public comment, this is an opportunity to
have direct interaction with our CTB representatives, Secretary of Transportation,
and VDOT Staff and inform them of Frederick County’s key priorities.
Staff noted that they are available to drive anyone from the Transportation
Committee or Board of Supervisors to the meeting who may wish to attend and
noted that Staff will also be attending. In addition, Staff provided the following
key points for discussion.
In addition to appreciation for recent funding approvals such as Route 277 from Exit 307
to Double Church Road, key points of discussion at this time would include the
following:
Frederick County’s Current Applications for SmartScale (formerly HB2)
1. Route 37 extension from Tasker Road to Route 522
2. (Variation of Project 1) Route 37 extension from Tasker Road to Future Warrior
Drive location combined with construction of Warrior Drive from that location to
current terminus of Warrior Drive
3. Exit 317 northbound exit ramp relocation to location where Redbud Road
currently ties into Route 11 North combined with the rerouting of Redbud Road
to Snowden Bridge Boulevard
4. Route 277 from Double Church Road to Warrior Drive, widening and access
management
5. Route 11 North, widening from Snowden Bridge Blvd to Old Charlestown Road
6. Sulphur Springs Road, reconstruction and widening from Route 50 to the landfill
7. Intersection of Senseny Road and Crestleigh Drive, turn lanes onto Senseny Road
8. Intersection of Route 277 and Warrior Drive, extend the eastbound right turn lane
on Route 277 and pedestrian safety improvements along the southern part of
Warrior Drive
9. Intersection of Papermill Road and Route 522, extend right turn lane on
eastbound Papermill Road
Established Priorities from the County Interstate and Primary Plans
1. Route 37, completion of Route 37 through the eastern portion of the County and
around Stonewall Industrial Park
2. Route 11, north and south widening and access management improvements to
address growth and congestion
3. Route 277, widening and access management from Double Church Road to
Route 522, key ‘next critical’ areas are the vicinity of Sherando High School and
Sherando Park
4. Route 50 and Route 7 widenings
5. Renewal of planning and progress on I-81 long term solutions
Revenue Sharing
Continue opposition to the plan to reduce revenue sharing funds available to localities.
3. 2016 Virginia Appropriation Act
Please see the attached correspondence from VDOT regarding the 2016 Virginia
Appropriation Act. Mr. Ed Carter of VDOT was on hand to discuss the program with
the Committee and noted that no action is required on the part of the County at this
time. This particular policy will impact approximately $39,000.00 of Frederick
County’s secondary funds and VDOT is working on recommendations of where to
move those funds to preserve them. At such time as VDOT has finished their part of
the process, those recommendations will be forwarded to the County.
4. Revenue Sharing Applications
Staff made the following recommendations to the Committee regarding the upcoming
revenue sharing cycle.
The next round of VDOT Revenue Sharing Applications will be due on November 1,
2016. Staff is seeking approval from the Committee to begin preparation of the
following applications for the Board of Supervisors consideration and approval.
1. Remaining funding for Jubal Early Drive extension and interchange with Route
37
This project was first put forth for revenue sharing funding during last year’s
application cycle and received $5,890,895.00 in revenue sharing funds toward a
total project cost of $18,660,500.00. Staff would like to apply for an additional
$3,439,355.00 to get the revenue sharing portion of project funding up to the full
50% that the program allows.
2. Tevis Street Extension
This project was previously awarded $700,000.00 for potential gap funding on the
former CDA. Since that time the CDA has failed and significant construction
funding has been awarded to the Bridge over I-81 and the Airport Road Extension
and round-a-bout. A portion of the $700,000.00 has been used for design of the
Tevis Street Extension and Bridge. Staff is seeking to apply for additional
revenue sharing funds to address right-of-way and construction of this section in
the amount of $2,193,145.00.
These two potential applications total $5,632,500.00.
Staff noted that the maximum annual revenue sharing request is $10,000,000 and
that if other opportunities present themselves that the County still has room for
additional applications. By consensus the Committee authorized Staff to begin
working on the applications.
This item will come before the Board separately at a future meeting for final approval
and resolution adoption.
5. Fall/Winter Transportation Forum
Based on previously noted desire by the Committee to repeat last year’s fall
transportation forum. Staff sought input regarding the format and/or theme for this
year’s forum.
Key items discussed for the public outreach and advertisement process included I-81,
unpaved roads, transportation funding, and public safety. Staff was instructed to
begin outreach to our state and federal elected officials to try and find a date when
most could participate and to begin formulating materials for public outreach.
6. Draft LFCC Public Transit Feasibility Study
Staff provided copies and a brief overview of the study to the Committee. No action
was taken.
7. County Projects Update
Snowden Bridge Boulevard:
Construction is underway and on schedule at this time. Expected completion in
approximately one (1) month.
Tevis Street Extension/Airport Road/I-81 Bridge:
The revenue sharing agreement has been executed and design is once again
underway on the bridge. In addition, the traffic impact analysis that will
determine the design specifics for the Airport Road is underway and a draft is
expected shortly.
Renaissance Drive:
Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund application has been submitted
which could change the project from a grade to a bridge crossing. Staff is
coordinating with CSX and VDOT to complete an MOU for the process of getting
the crossing as well as determining unimproved rail crossings for upgrade.
Following a meeting with local stakeholders, Staff is also proceeding to the
Finance Committee to seek approval to begin design work on the surface street
while the current grant application for the bridge is pending.
Valley Mill Road Realignment:
Thirty percent design has been completed and the County’s on call consultant is
providing an updated cost estimate to complete design through 100%. Upon
approval by the private party partner, the next phase of design will begin.
Coverstone Drive:
No activity at this time.
Jubal Early Drive Extension and Interchange with Route 37:
Initial meetings regarding a draft agreement and follow up application for
additional revenue sharing funds has been held with the private partner team.
JAB/pd