In 2008, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in conjunction with Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) and Albemarle County, completed a US 29 North Corridor Transportation Study to develop a context-sensitive, multimodal transportation plan for the US 29 North Corridor within Albemarle County north of the City of Charlottesville (Places29 Area). This effort has been incorporated with development of the Places29 Master Plan (Places29 Plan) by Albemarle County. In November 2009, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Board requested that TJPDC staff analyze the traffic impacts of extending Berkmar Drive as recommended in the Places29 Plan as well as traffic impacts of increasing the growth area in the US 29 corridor. The existing heavy traffic volumes on US 29 North and nearby local roads are expected to increase as development of this area continues. The Berkmar Drive Extension is predicated on improved movement of
traffic, enhanced access, and land use development to the rapidly developing area.
The Charlottesville/Albemarle MPO Public Participation Plan reflects the requirements of the present transportation act, contained in Federal Regulation Code 450.316 and outlines the MPO’s base Public Participation Requirements. MPO Staff make every effort to go above and beyond these requirements.
- Improved function for all transportation types (regional and local auto, truck, transit,
pedestrian, bicycle, and ADA) - Access and safety maintained during construction
- Financially feasible in terms of construction cost and minimizing lost tax revenue.
- Near-term economic impacts are balanced with long-term gains.
- A context-sensitive road network that supports redevelopment opportunities and a mix of
uses. - Improved landscape quality and stormwater systems, and the visual character of private
development and streetscape are enhanced.