Town of Scottsville Context Sensitive Road Design and Village Development Study

Executive Summary

Study Purpose

This study was initiated by the Town of Scottsville and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission to identify new multi-modal transportation links throughout Scottsville and to study how future development in Scottsville can best reflect the Town's heritage as a small, rural village. Having grown in size from 123 acres to its current 979 acres, Scottsville is no longer connected with options for both vehicles and pedestrians. Like many small towns, Scottsville's "main street" is a primary road with many through vehicles. Even though Scottsville benefits from its location on a rural highway, it also compromises the safety of both pedestrians and bicycles. With increased potential for new growth in the expanded territory, land use strategies that retain the character of the rural setting and encourage village-scale development patterns are needed.

Focus Area

The town of Scottsville is approximately one square mile, with an old, historic downtown located on the James River. Newer development exists on higher ground farther from the river. State primary roads Route 20 and Route 6 pass through the town, carrying between 3,000 and 6,000 vehicles per day. This includes a number of trucks traveling daily to and from the Michelin Tire Plant. Pedestrians, many of them tourists, frequent many parts of the town and bicyclists are common.

Planning Process

TJPDC Staff and consultants from Walkable Communities, Inc. led a public workshop and a walking tour to gather information on residents' concerns, desires, and ideas for improvements, as well as to test possible street treatments. Local business owners and civic leaders were also interviewed for their input. Events were televised on local cable, and members of the community called in suggestions by phone.

Recommendations

Scottsville can use several traffic calming strategies to control vehicular traffic on and install pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Improvements include:

• Roundabouts can alleviate congestion and are effective at slowing traffic as it enters a downtown area.

• Curb extensions and median islands can continue to control vehicle movements and increase pedestrian safety.

• A network of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and trails for connectivity between the downtown and new developments.

• Encourage growth to follow the classic, small town manner.