Rural Transportation Planning Program
The Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC) receives State Planning and Research Funds (SPR) from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the Rural Transportation Planning Assistance Program. The purpose of this program is to provide transportation planning assistance to local jurisdictions within Planning District (PD) 14. Please review the CRC FY24 Rural Planning SOW and Resolution
Each Planning District has partnered with VDOT to create the Rural Long Range Transportation Plan (RLTRP). The purpose of this Plan is to evaluate each regions rural transportation system and recommend a range of transportation improvements that best satisfy existing and future needs. The CRC developed transportation goals and objectives that were used to guide the development of the RLRTP. To see a complete copy of the current RLRTP click CRC LRTP 2045 FINAL
For questions on the Commonwealth Regional Council Title VI Plan and procedures, please contact Mr. Todd Fortune, Deputy Director at (434) 392-6104 or by email at tfortune@virginiasheartland.org .
The regional transportation plans will be incorporated into Virginia’s State Highway Plan. The rural focused plans will complement the transportation plans that already exist for metropolitan areas of Virginia.
SMART SCALE
What is SMART SCALE?
Virginia’s SMART SCALE (§33.2-214.1) is about picking the right transportation projects for funding and ensuring the best use of limited tax dollars. It is the method of scoring planned projects and funding projects that meet one or more transportation needs identified in Virginia’s Transportation Plan, VTrans. These needs are referred to as VTrans Mid-term Needs. Transportation projects are scored based on an objective, outcome-based process that is transparent to the public and allows decision-makers to be held accountable to taxpayers. Once projects are scored and prioritized, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has the best information possible to select the right projects for funding.
Program Funding
Funding for project prioritization comes from two main pathways —the construction District Grants Program (DGP) and the High-Priority Projects Program (HPPP) – both established in 2015 under the Code of Virginia §33.2-358.
The DGP is open only to localities.
Projects applying for DGP funds compete with other projects from the same construction district.
Projects applying for HPPP funds compete with projects from across the commonwealth.
More information on the the process and dates for submittal can be found at https://smartscale.org/how_it_works/default.asp
VDOT also provides a Dashboard for citizens to keep abreast of how the Smart Scale Projects are performing:
https://smartscale.org/current_projects/default.asp
Transportation Alternatives Program Overview
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), was signed into law November 15, 2021. It is the largest long-term investment in infrastructure in our nation’s history and provides federal funding for Fiscal Year 2022 through 2026. This legislation continues and increases the Transportation Alternatives Program funding from $850M in FY21 to nearly $1.4B in FY22. The new bill emphases transportation safety, equity, and data-driven decisions.
This federal reimbursement program is intended to help local sponsors fund community-based projects that expand non-motorized travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historical, and environmental aspects of the transportation infrastructure. The program does not fund traditional roadway projects or maintenance. The program focuses on providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and community improvements. The Transportation Alternatives Program continues prior legislation of this kind by expanding travel choices, strengthening local economy, improving quality of life, and protecting the environment. Popular projects include bicycle and pedestrian trails, historic transportation structure preservation, and roadway pull-offs and overlooks. To learn more about the Transportation Alternatives Program click https://www.virginiadot.org/business/prenhancegrants.asp
Ready, Set, Go! Transportation Alternatives Readiness Program
VDOT is providing a second round of Ready, Set, Go!, a grant program that supports our local partners with smaller populations in refining projects for future Transportation Alternatives (TA) applications. This program is provided with 100% funding and requires no local match from selected applicants. VDOT will contract and designate a consultant team to assist selected localities in developing content for a single future TA application, including a sketch, cost estimate, and other relevant information. Participating in the Ready, Set, Go! program alone will not result in readiness to submit a complete TA application, but localities that participate will receive guidance about other application requirements. To learn more about this new program https://www.virginiadot.org/business/prenhancegrants.asp
VDOT Local Assistance Programs
For additional information on VDOT Local Assistance programs visit https://www.virginiadot.org/business/prenhancegrants.asp
Previous Planning projects
In 2015, the CRC created and distributed Unpaved Road Maps to counties. This activity was designed to provide a visual tool for county government to make decisions on road improvements in their counties.
Amelia Unpaved Roads Map
Buckingham Unpaved Roads
Charlotte Unpaved Roads
Lunenburg Unpaved Roads
Prince Edward Unpaved Roads
In 2014, the CRC completed the Charlotte Court House Pilot Intersection Study to look at the Route 40/47 Intersection in the downtown area of Charlotte Court House.
In 2012 the CRC completed the CRC Public Transit Connectivity Study . This Study looked at the various Public Transit Systems routes available in the region and also the connectivity of the various Systems. The CRC held a meeting with representatives of the Public Transit Systems to receive information on the services they provide and input for the Study. A Public Transit Connectivity Map of the Bus Routes was created as a part of the Study utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS). To view individual pdf’s of the town’s/communities Bus Routes click on the following:
Amelia Bus Routes
Buckingham/Dillwyn Bus Routes
SVCC Bus Routes
Cumberland Bus Routes
Kenbridge Bus Routes
Victoria Bus Routes
Lunenburg Court House Bus Routes
Burkeville/Crewe Bus Routes
Blackstone Bus Routes
Farmville Bus Routes
The CRC also hosted on June 18, 2012 a Ride Along Day with VDOT to take local officials and a member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board out on local roads to discuss transportation issues. Click on the CRC Ride Along Day Report to learn more about this event.
In 2011 the CRC completed the CRC Park and Ride Study . This Study examined areas in PD14 that could potentially serve as new Park and Ride lots.
In 2010 the Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC) updated the 2010 Regional Bicycle Plan. The purpose of this plan is to provide information and guidance on the development of bicycle facilities and accommodations and to enhance and encourage safe bicycle travel within Planning District 14. To view the Document and Maps open the following:
2010 CRC Regional Bicycle Plan
2010 CRC Regional Bicycle Map, 2010 Regional Bike Map, Farmville Pop Out
In 2010-2011 the CRC partnered with Longwood University’s Geogrpahy Department to complete several Sidewalk Surveys to assist VDOT in locating the current inventory of sidewalks in the CRC region.
Lynchburg/CRC VDOT District Sidewalks
Lunenburg Court House Sidewalk Survey
Victoria Sidewalk Survey
Kenbridge Sidewalk Survey
Nottoway Court House Sidewalk Survey
Crewe Sidewalk Survey
Burkeville Sidewalk Survey