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TC 02-01-94 Meeting AgendaTO: FROM: RE: DATE: MEMORANDUM Frederick County Transportation Committee Evan A. Wyatt, Planner II F„ February Meeting and Agenda January 24, 1994 COUNTY cit FREDERICK Department of Planning and Development 703 / 665-5651 Fax 703 / 678-0682 There will be a meeting of the Frederick County Transportation Committee at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 1994, in the conference room of the Old Frederick County Court House, 9 Court Square, Winchester, Virginia. The Transportation Committee will discuss the following items: AGENDA 1) Review of the 1994 Frederick County Primary Road Improvement Plan. 2) Review of the proposed National Highway System as developed by the Virginia Department of Transportation. 3) Discussion regarding the Civil War Battlefield Tour Network\Kernstown Battlefield Enhancement Proposal. 4) Correspondence regarding Corridor H Workshops sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation. 5) Information regarding the Virginia Run -Off -The -Road Crash Analysis Report. 6) Other. 1) North I-OLICIOun Street P.O. Boy 001 Winchcsier, VA 22601 Winchester, VA 22604 ITEM #1 1994 FREDERICK COUNTY PRIMARY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLAN Each year, Frederick County Officials attend a preallocation hearing for the Staunton District. This hearing allows localities to inform VDOT officials of their various needs for primary road improvements. The proposed 1994 Primary Road Improvement Plan for Frederick County mirrors the 1993 plan. This plan maintains the same priority for primary road improvements, and does not include new projects. Frederick County has received the revised Commonwealth Transportation Board Final Allocation of Funds for Fiscal Year 1993-1994. This document addresses four projects that fall within Frederick County's boundary. Two of the four projects are included on the 1994 Frederick County Primary Road Improvement Plan. The creation of a four lane right-of-way for Route 522 South of Winchester has received funding for preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition and construction. This project is scheduled to receive funding until completion. Modifications to the Route 37/Route 11 North interchange have received allocations for preliminary engineering. Other improvements that are not included in the 1994 Frederick County Primary Road Improvement Plan include the completion of the Interstate 81 weigh station near Middletown and improvements to the CSX railroad crossing on Route 11 North of Winchester. Staff asks that the Transportation Committee review the proposed Primary Road Improvement Plan for Frederick County. Staff will forward the recommendation of this committee to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. 1994 PRIMARY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLAN 1) Route 522 South (East of Winchester) From: Route 50/17 East Intersection To: Route 277 East Intersection (North of Double Toll Gate) Improve to four lanes and provide intersection improvements as necessary to coordinate with Route 37 extension and Route 277 improvements. The improvements should begin at the southern end and proceed northward. 2) I-81/11 North/37/661 Intersection (North of Winchester) Implement corridor improvement plans resulting from Winchester Area Transportation Study to deal with immediate deficiencies. 3) Eastern By-pass/loop From: Route 37 North at Stephenson To: Route 37 South at Kernstown Plan, engineer, acquire necessary right-of-way, and construct a by-pass to provide future additional limited access arterial capacity east of Winchester. This is needed to accommodate planned land use and economic development in Eastern Frederick County. This will include long term solutions to interchange areas at I-81 /I1 North/37/661 and I-81/11 South/37/642. 4) Route 277 (East of Stephens City) From: I-81/277/647 Intersection (South of Winchester) To: Route 340/522 South Intersection (East of Double Toll Gate) Improve the existing two lane road facility by widening and straightening immediately. Conduct detailed studies to determine future needs for four lane improvements and improvements to the I-81/11 South/277/647 intersection area. Page -2- 1993 Primary Road Improvement Plan 5) Route 11 (North and South of Winchester) A. Route 11 South From: Middle Road To: 37 Interchange Widen and improve to five lanes. B. Route 11 North From: Winchester City Limits To: 37 Intersection Widen and improve as necessary. 6) I-81 (East of Winchester) From: Stephenson Interchange To: Middletown Interchange Study and improve to six lanes between Winchester exits if necessary. \1 I �c azo � c � Jsy ♦ �/ 1 e� �6C ♦�� szz L�rtq � gZ �I -o � .00, a N0 Gore seal ain cru d Zt C 259 l SrucCtown 5 5�h Ha Yfie! Goal i. ,%cin Clear brook /37. � �J I1 �9, /INCH TER .00 608 Y a szz r y f1.. ouyi pun ��� J ` c \ ss %creek to ;� •� _ Q Y o ry G p U N T 6311 ie�rens �! vEa RGE WASHIN r Jc _ U NATIONAL FORE e' C:ry Ged o � o 113 0- ' \� 3c'as � N 627 4 N �� b , O O A HMiddletown \° e w A I R E N COUNTY N 1993 PRIMARY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLAN FREDERICK COUNTY vlR�lwla ITEM #2 PROPOSED NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM Frederick County has received information pertaining to the proposed National Highway System as developed by VDOT. The National Highway System (NHS) is a new major funding category as required under the ISTEA legislation. Roads within Frederick County that are considered part of the NHS include Route 522 North of Winchester, Route 37 West of Winchester, Route 7 East of Winchester and Interstate 81. Other primary roads within Frederick County are funded under another ISTEA category called the Surface Transportation Program (STP). Staff has provided this material to the Transportation Committee for informational purposes. The Transportation Committee should determine what funding categories are available under the NHS. This funding may prove to be beneficial for future improvements to these primary road segments. RAY D. PETHTEL COMMISSIONER MEMORANDUM COMMONWEALTH ®f VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1401 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, 23219 December 10, 1993 National Highway System To: County Administrators City/Town Managers (greater than 5,000 population) Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairmen Planning District Commission Executive Directors Military Traffic Management Command Department of Rail and Public Transportation Department of Aviation Virginia Port Authority This is in reference to my letter to you of May 10, 1993, providing maps of the proposed National Highway System (NHS) as developed by VDOT. As indicated in that letter, VDOT had submitted the proposed NHS documentation to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for their review. FHWA completed their review and submitted the proposed NHS to Congress on December 9, 1993. Following its review, Congress must pass legislation to designate the final NHS by September 30, 1995. T -1_ find l find rlease attached for your information a statewide map, any specialty maps applicable to you and a mileage summary table describing the final proposed NHS as adjusted by FHWA and submitted to Congress. If you should have any questions, please call Mr. R. C. Lockwood, the State Transportation Planning Engineer, at (804) 786-2964. ,64 .%d� Aely, Pethtel, Commissioner Attachments cc: The Honorable John G. Milliken Mr. Oscar K. Mabry TRANSPORTATION FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY 11 129193 PROPOSED STATEWIDE NHS MILEAGE SUMMARY RURAL URBAN TOTAL F H W A TARGET MILEAGE 2,076 891 2,967 INTERSTATE ROUTES 722 390 1,112 NON - INTERSTATE CONGRESSIONAL HIGH PRIORITY ROUTES 193 80 i 272 NON - INTERSTATE STRAHNET ROUTES 397 68 465 STRAHNET MAJOR CONNECTOR ROUTES 36 51 87 TOTAL REQUIRED MILEAGE 1,347 588 1,935 f OTHER PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL ROUTES 843 658 1,501 NON - PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL ACCESS ROUTES TO MAJOR INTERMODAL FACILITIES 3 8 11 TOTAL PROPOSED N H S MILEAGE I � 2,194 1,253 3,447 INTERMODAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY ACT OF 1991 MAJOR FUNDING CATEGORIES & PROGRAMS (six year funding authorization) ■ Interstate Construction Provides funding to complete Virginia's Interstate System primarily on 1-95, 1-64, 1- 295: $340.8 million. ■ National Highway System Provides funding for construction on a new national highway system made up of the existing Interstate System and major arterial routes totaling 155, 000 miles nationwide, plus 15% increase at U.S. DOT's discretion, to be identified by 1993: $401.9 million. ■ Interstate Maintenance Provides funding for rehabilitation, restoration and resurfacing (3R) on the Interstate System: $485.9 million. ■ Bridge Provides funding for construction of bridges in Virginia: $361.7 million. ■ Surface Transportation Program Provides funding for projects on primary, secondary and urban highway systems or mass transit with strict federal requirements dividing funds among rural and individual urban areas: $457.5 million. ■ Congestion Mitigation and Clean Air Act Provides funding for projects in non -attainment areas to achieve national air quality standards through reductions in vehicle travel, fuel consumption or other factors; area eligible are Northern Virginia, Richmond and Tidewater: $108 million. C! PROPOSED NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM URBANIZED AREA REQUIRED NHS FACILITIES OTHER NHS FACILITIES A MAJOR AIRPORT P MAJOR SEAPORT T OTHER MAJOR INTERMODAL TERMINAL M MILITARY INSTALLATIONS TENNESSEE -- NORTH CAROLINA - 1 Maryland and Virginia are nearing completion of a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement under N E P A for the selection of a corridor for a "Western Bypass" of Washington, D.C. If a corridor is selected, the facility would be functionally classified as a Principal Arterial and additional mileage may be needed to add the facility to the National Highway System. Certain mileage could be deleted in counties through which such a corridor might pass. 2 Virginia is nearing completion of a study regarding the location of a corridor for an "Outer Connector" of Fredericksburg, between Route 17 northwest of Fredericksburg and Route 3 southeast of Fredericksburg. If a corridor is selected, the facility would be functionally classified as a Principal Arterial and additional mileage may be needed to add the facility to the National Highway System. ITEM #3 CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD TOUR NETWORK\KERNSTOWN BATTLEFIELD ENHANCEMENT PROPOSAL Frederick County and the City of Winchester have been working to develop a Battlefield Tour Network within the area. A Battlefield Task Force was created to prepare a battlefield protection and utilization plan. Staff has provided the Transportation Committee with a copy of the Interim Battlefield Action Plan. Frederick County and the City of Winchester plan to submit a proposal for ISTEA Enhancement Funds for consideration this year. The ISTEA Enhancement Program specifies certain criteria for projects to qualify for this funding. Category #2 under enhancement projects calls for the "Acquisition of Scenic Easements and Scenic or Historic Sites". Frederick County and the City of Winchester envision a project that will link significant historic sites as part of an overall tour. This tour will encompass areas within the county and city. Funding will be used for the acquisition and enhancement of historic sites. The majority of these sites are included along preferred bicycle routes as specified by the Winchester Wheelmen Ride Booklet. It is envisioned that the tour network could be made available to various transportation modes as these road segments are improved. Frederick County and the City of Winchester would like for the Transportation Committee to review the interim plan and provide their support to this proposal. This plan will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors and the City Council for final approval in the near future. INTERIM BATTLEFIELD ACTION PLAN FREDERICK COUNTY - WINCHESTER BATTLEFIELD TASK FORCE The Frederick County - Winchester Battlefield Task Force is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of Civil War sites in the area with the intention of preparing a battlefield protection and utilization plan. However, there are certain key sites that present immediate threats and opportunities. Therefore, the Task Force has prepared this interim plan to be put into place to address immediate needs while the overall plan is being completed. The Task Force unanimously recommended adoption of'this interim plan on December 13, 1993. TARGET BATTLEFIELD SITES: 1. If certain key sites are not preserved for use as battlefield parks, it will not be possible to create the type of battlefield park system envisioned by the Task Force. The Task Force recommends that action be undertaken immediately to preserve the following sites for use as battlefield parks in order of priority: The Grim Farm (1st and 2nd Kernstown) The Caleb Heights, Hackwood and possibly other adjoining property (3rd Winchester) The Star Fort site and immediate environs (2nd Winchester) 2. The Task Force also recommends that all support possible be given to the Cedar Creek Foundation in their continuing efforts. 3. The Task Force recommends that every effort be made to maintain the rural character of the following battlefield sites.- Stephenson ites: Stephenson Depot (2nd Winchester) Cedar Creek Sand Ridge (1st Kernstown) JUSTIFICATION: The above sites were included for the following reasons: The areas are included in Battlefield Core Areas as determined by the National Park Service Study of the Civil War Sites in the Shenandoah Valley. The battlefields include large areas of undeveloped land that can be used for interpretation. The battlefields include significant features or characteristics that will make them attractive for visitation. The battlefields are immediately threatened by potential development activities. The above sites are listed in order of priority. The priority order has been based on the following consideration: Which sites are the most threatened by development activities. Which sites provide the most immediate opportunity for effective action. 2 ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS: • Immediate efforts should be undertaken by local, state and federal governments to preserve and promote the battlefield areas described above. • The County and City Planning staffs should carry out an evaluation of the above sites to describe the historic values, battle activities, physical characteristics and potential opportunities and threats associated with each. • Immediate efforts should be undertaken to determine the potential costs of preserving the sites. • Information should be developed describing the potential economic benefits to the community of using these sites for battlefield parks. • The full range of possible preservation tools should be considered and involvement by all possible parties should be explored. • Considerations of possible modes of ownership and maintenance should be included in all deliberations. • Plans for the sites should be combined into a complete tour system, which designates and plans for connecting routes. OTHER SITES: In addition to the sites mentioned above, the Task Force will examine the following: Milroys Fort Fort Collier 1864 Winter Line Area - Hillandale West Lunette - Apple Pie Ridge East Berryville Canyon Area Ruthersford Farm Old Town Winchester Nest Lunett� (2nd Winchest� (AlIrovs d W i n Sand Ridge ( 1 st Kernstown) n arrn (2n ernstow ,, . C d�� C r e e PREPARED: DECEMBER 1993 FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Critical Sites — Other Sites — 0 Historic Routes — Major Travel Routes — — 0 0 0 War S t� � � In Winchester- Frederick County �% Virginia I rr TJ in t ast Be la Convon Town inch. (3r Wrnc fester) d Critical Sites — Other Sites — 0 Historic Routes — Major Travel Routes — — 0 0 0 War S t� � � In Winchester- Frederick County �% Virginia ITEM #4 & #5 FOR YOUR INFORMATION Included is a memorandum from Robert W. Watkins, Planning Director, regarding a workshop for the Corridor H project. Also, a report pertaining to run -off -the road crash analysis has been provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Staff will be happy to discuss either item with the Transportation Committee. COUNTY of i~REDERICK Department of Plannin,- and Development 703 / 665-5651 Fax 703 / 678-0682 MEMORANDUM TO: Frederick County Transportation Committee FROM: Robert W. Watkins, Planning Director �W.41 SUBJECT: Corridor H Workshop DATE: January 18, 1994 The WVDOT and the VDOT have announced a series of Corridor H Workshops to update the public on the status of the Alignment Phase of the proposed highway. The information available for viewing will include highway alternatives under consideration and the results of natural and cultural resource field work. Officials from the highway departments will be present. Please note that these workshops are not formal public meetings or hearings on the Alignment Selection Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Public meetings and hearings on the Draft will be held later this year. The workshop in our area is scheduled for: Feb_ 10, 1994 4:00 - 8:00 PM Signal Knob Middle School Strasburg RWW/rsa 9 North Loudoun Street P.O. Box 601 Winchester, VA -12601 Winchester, VA 22604 DONALD E. WILLIAMS COMMISSIONER DATE: TO: COMMONWEALTH of VIRCTINIA Department of Motor Vehicles 2300 West Broad Street November, 1993 WILLIAM H. LEIGHTY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MAIL ADDRESS R. OHMOX 2VRID, I GINIA 23 26 51-0 0 01 ALL CRASH INVESTIGATION TEAM REPORT RECIPIENTS AND OTHERS INVOLVED WITH TRANSPORTATION SAFETY. FROM: William H. Leighty, Deputy Commissioner �ho SUBJECT: Synopsis of Special Run -Off -The -Road Crash Analysis The attached synopsis is submitted for your review and use. It contains pertinent information on certain highway crashes in Virginia and is provided in an attempt to better inform motorists about the dangers associated with run -off -the -road crashes. Although the synopsis centers on young drivers, its entire contents focus on all age drivers running off the road. If after review you would like to receive an unabridged copy of the statistical report entitled "Virginia Run -Off -The -Road Crash Analysis" (Special Report Number 10-93), please contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Crash Investigation Team at 2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220, or can (804)367- 0024. Together, we can promote highway safety and hopefully reduce the occurrence of similar tragic crashes on the Commonwealth's highways. W HL, HI/dlc �� A Partnership With the Public nq.._- n� SiSy� Ru n-Off-The-Road Crash Analysis Produced by: Department of Motor Vehicles Crash Investigation Team November 1993 This Crash Investigation Team special report focuses on run -off -the -road crashes in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The purpose of the report is to bring attention to the seriousness of run -off -the -road collisions, to determine their causes, and to offer highway safety recommendations to prevent and/or lessen the severity of similar crashes. A run -off - the -road crash is one which occurs when a vehicle leaves the roadway due to one or a combination of the following: driver inattention, drivers evading objects or other vehicles, excessive speed, alcohol or drug impairment, fatigue, mechanical defects, or driver error of any kind. A review of statistical data from the years 1986 through 1991 in Virginia indicates that run -off -the -road crashes are one of the most hostile of roadway mishaps. This is clearly indicated in that while vehicles involved in run -off -the -road collisions averaged less than 10 % of all reported crashes, they accounted for nearly one-third of all fatalities during this five- year period. The problem appears to be an ever increasing one given that in 1991, 30.5% of all traffic fatalities involved run -off -the -road crashes, compared to 26.5 % for 1986. During 1990 and 1991, approximately one-half of all fatal crashes involved vehicles that ran off the road. A significant finding in this report is that males were the drivers in 77 % of fatal run- off -the -road crashes. Additionally, nearly 23 % of all run -off -the -road crashes during 1990 and 1991 involved drivers who were between 16 and 20 years of age. When comparing the ages of drivers involved in these crashes to their corresponding percentages of Virginia licensed drivers, a remarkable statistic emerges. While drivers 16-20 years of age were 1 involved in 23 % of run-off-the-road crashes, they accounted for only 6 % of the licensed population in the Commonwealth. Another statistic to be noted regarding youthful drivers is that while only 20 % of their driving is done at night, about 63 % of the run-off-the-road crashes in which they were involved occurred during nighttime hours. Besides inexperience, a number of other factors contribute to run -off -the -road crashes involving youthful drivers. Their driving tends to be influenced by factors such as speeding, alcohol or drug impairment, and by peer pressure to "show-off' or exhibit "macho" driving behavior. This behavior is especially prevalent with young male drivers. All these factors clearly place the youthful driver, especially males, at high risk to be involved in this type of collision. Driver error, especially due to inexperience is the predominant cause of run -off -the - road crashes. It is likely that drivers do not understand how to safely regain the roadway or come to a safe stop after running off the road. Many drivers try to compensate by abruptly steering back onto the road, thus causing their vehicle to swerve into another lane or run off the other side of the roadway. Drivers in this situation will often try to stop quickly by slamming on the brakes, causing the driver to lose control. It is imperative that drivers, once their vehicle has left the road, know how to regain the roadway. Drivers involved in a run -off -the -road incident should grip the steering wheel tightly, decelerate gradually, and steer back onto the roadway gently (or come to a gradual stop) in order to regain control of their vehicle. Attempting to regain the roadway abruptly can result in an even more dangerous situation. 2 The problems associated with run -off -the -road crashes should be strongly emphasized to young, inexperienced drivers. Drivers education officials should attempt to increase awareness of the dangers associated with run -off -the -road crashes and to have youthful drivers practice operational aspects of correct run -off -the -road recovery techniques. Consideration should be given to the implementation of a provisional drivers license for young drivers. Such a license could be a probationary one for a period of one year, after which time, if the young driver has received no moving violations and not been at fault in a chargeable crash, a permanent drivers license would be granted. If convicted of a moving violation or found to be at fault in a crash, the young driver would not be allowed to obtain a permanent drivers license until age 18. Consideration should also be given to nighttime driving curfews or if they already exist, to increasing the enforcement of such curfews. This would reduce the numbers of youthful nighttime drivers. In summary, run -off -the -road crashes are a significant factor in all highway crashes. Youthful drivers, primarily males, are disproportionately represented among run -off -the -road crash incidents. Correct techniques regarding safe recovery from running off the road should be studied and practiced during drivers education and driver improvement classes. Legislation should address problems associated with youthful drivers' inexperience by considering provisional drivers licenses and nighttime curfews. An unabridged copy of the special report entitled "Virginia Run -Off -The -Road Crash Analysis" (Special Report #10) can be obtained by contacting the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Crash Investigation Team at 2300 W. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220, or by calling (804)367-0024. 9-1 J