Transportation

With growing population throughout the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, and decreasing funding, it is becoming increasingly important to make smarter choices about our transportation options. The ideal options will provide a balanced transportation system integrating all travel modes and complementing environmental, economic, and community development goals.

MPO Unified Planning and Work Program Approved

The MPO Policy Board approved the FY12 Unified Planning and Work Program on May 25th 2011 at the MPO Policy Board meeting. The FY12 UPWP outlines the plan project spending for the MPO over the next fiscal year. This year MPO staff has also put together a UPWP supplement that provides further detail on FY12 spending estimates.

To review the final UPWP document please click here.
To review the UPWP Supplement document please click here.

The FY12 to FY15 Transportation Improvement Program has been approved

The FY12 to FY15 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) has been amended to be in full compliance with FY12 funding estimates. The Charlottesville-Albemarle TIP is used to schedule spending of federal transportation funds within the metropolitan region, in coordination with significant state and local funds, for the federal fiscal years 2012 through 2015. The TIP is a prioritized listing/program of transportation projects that is developed and formally adopted by the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) as part of the metropolitan transportation planning process.

Please click here to go to the TIP home page.

Long Range Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan

As the region’s designated TDM agency, RideShare is responsible for TDM planning and works to incorporate TDM into regional planning as a voting member on urban and rural transportation committees. Beginning in 2009, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) requires all agencies receiving TDM grant funds to prepare and submit a Long-Range TDM Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to identify and detail the TDM programs currently provided in the region, to outline potential improvements to be carried out in the Plan’s timeframe, and to illustrate the financial resources necessary to implement these programs and improvements. It establishes the scope and benefits of RideShare’s programs and provides information for DRPT to incorporate RideShare’s TDM plans into the State’s overall TDM plans, funding decisions, and programs. Click here to view the latest draft of the plan.

Berkmar Drive Study Completed

TJPDC has completed the Berkmar Drive Extension Study. Various transportation improvements and additional land development was examined for horizon year 2035 by evaluating corridor performances and regional impacts. The analysis shows traffic conditions on US 29 can be greatly improved by increasing the roadway’s capacity or extending Berkmar Drive as a parallel route. The report finds that a combination of US 29 widening to six lanes and the Berkmar Drive Extension will provide the greatest benefit to US 29 and the region. A cost/ benefit analysis included in the report found the alternative with all proposed improvements included except the new Berkmar Bridge across Rivanna River is the most cost-effective strategy while balancing local and regional transportation improvements. Other findings show Berkmar Drive extended will maintain acceptable LOS and parallel roads will be significantly improved by proposed improvements through 2035.

The City and County have approved the final draft and are collaborating with TJPDC to make final improvement decisions based on findings of the study. To review the final report please click here.

CHART Begins Public Participation Initiative

The CHART Citizen Advisory Committee has begun an initiative to improve how the public participates in transportation planning. The Committee crafted a presentation that will be given to various organizations within the Charlottesville-Albemarle MPO. The goal being that the CHART Committee and the MPO can help inform members of the public on transportation issues and then solicit comment from the public regarding regional transportation concerns. The presentation is accessible here. For questions or more information, contact Sarah Eissler by email at seissler@tjpdc.org or by phone at 434-979-7310 x360.

Greene County Multimodal Corridor Study Completed

The Renaissance Planning Group has completed the “Multimodal Corridor Study for the US 29 and US 33 Development Areas in Greene County”. The study was funded through a Multimodal Planning Grant awarded by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to the TJPDC and was timed to coincide with the updating of the Greene County Comprehensive Plan. Renaissance is the consultant to the TJPDC for the project, which includes multimodal transportation solutions, land use strategies, and an implementation plan specific to Greene County, while addressing regional travel needs on the US29 and US33 corridors.  The Study was presented to the Greene County Board of Supervisors on August 25. It has provided valuable information to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors as they complete the update to the Comprehensive Plan.The full Study is available online here. For questions or more information, contact Bill Wanner at 434-979-7310 x390.

Second Edition Toolkit Now Available

The Second Edition of the Transportation and Housing Alliance (THA) Toolkit is now available and ready for use. The Transportation and Housing Alliance (THA) is a statewide initiative in Virginia linking public and private efforts in the areas of housing and transportation. The Toolkit was produced through a grant awarded to the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD). VBPD recognized the important role of Planning District Commissions in developing and using this Toolkit.

The purpose of the Toolkit is to create plans that lead to livable communities for all citizens. The Toolkit provides approaches to assess current housing and transportation needs, project future needs, and identify overlapping issues and opportunities. To learn more, please visit our THA Toolkit Page.

Achieving Goals

Achieving our goals involves the input of many community agencies and resources. Through various committees and partnerships, our community benefits from the careful planning and implementation of a balanced plan that includes roadway, bikeway, pedestrian, and transit projects. The transportation planning programs are funded and supported by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Association (FTA), and our member jurisdictions.

The TJPDC staff work alongside City, County, and State staff on a variety of projects that benefit our region. The TJPDC provides staff support and is active on the following committees: MPO Policy Board, MPO Technical, CHART Citizens, Rural Transportation, Bike and Walk, Park and Ride, Community Mobility, and Commuter Information Team. This opportunity allows the seamless coordination of comprehensive work plans that rely on regional cooperation.