Harrisonburg Connector Study

Candidate Build Alternatives

Based on public comments received at the March 2005 Citizen Information Meeting and other considerations, VDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has identified five Candidate Build Alternatives for detailed study. The detailed study includes identifying historic properties, wetlands, and other resources, and assessing potential effects on those resources by the alternatives. The results of the studies will be included in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement now planned for completion early in 2006.

At the March public meeting, VDOT showed a number of different roadway segments connecting U.S. Route 11 and U.S. Route 33. Some of these involved upgrades to existing roads while others involved highway construction on new location. After further consideration and adjustments to some of the segments, five possible routes - Alternatives 1, 2, 2A, 3, and 4 - were chosen for detailed study.

Note: Build Alternatives are subject to change as new information becomes available.

Alternative 1, beginning at the Bridgewater Route 257/682 interchange with I-81 (Exit 240) and ending at Route 33, follows an alignment along existing Route 682 (Friedens Church Road) and Route 276 (Cross Keys Road), except for a short section that would bypass the corner at Friedens Church. This alternative would involve widening the existing road to four lanes with a median between I-81 and Route 681 (South Whitesel Church Road). From Route 681 to Route 276, the existing road would be widened and upgraded to a two-lane highway meeting rural minor arterial design standards, which provide for paved shoulders and alignment features to improve safety. Additionally, it is recommended that Route 682 be reclassified as a primary highway, similar to what was done with Port Republic Road recently. Route 276 would remain two lanes within the existing 80-foot-wide right of way to avoid and minimize effects on the Cross Keys Battlefield, but would be upgraded to provide shoulders and with possible spot improvements to improve safety. Between Route 689 (Shen Lake Drive) and Route 33, the existing road would be widened to four lanes with a median. Connections with all existing intersecting roads would be maintained; however, possibilities will be investigated for an access management plan to help reduce long-term proliferation of access points into individual properties. The section on new location near Friedens Church would have “limited access,” that is, no direct access to adjoining properties.

Alternative 2 begins at Route 11 and follows existing Route 704 (Cecil Wampler Road) to just east of I-81. From there, it continues on new location, crossing Pleasant Run and curving northeastward to the intersection of Route 253 (Port Republic Road) and Route 704 (Boyers Road). The reasons for running on new location include avoiding the Pleasant Valley historic district and stream impacts to Pleasant Run. From Port Republic Road, the alternative follows existing Route 704 before veering off to connect with Route 33 at a location roughly 1,200 feet south of the present Route 704 intersection at Route 33. This alternative would involve constructing a four-lane road with a median (40 feet wide west of Port Republic Road, 16 feet wide east of Port Republic Road). It would not have an interchange with I-81, primarily because of the spacing relative to other existing interchanges and the remote probability of gaining approval for a new interstate access. It would have “controlled access,” that is, access only at intersecting roadways and at property entrances to be determined.

Alternative 2A, begins at Route 11 and follows existing Route 704 (Cecil Wampler Road) to just east of I-81. From there, it continues on new location, crossing Pleasant Run and continuing toward Route 679 (Pleasant Valley Road). At Route 679 it veers northward, crosses Pleasant Run and Route 704 (Osceola Springs Road), and continues to Route 710 (Ridgedale Road) near its intersection with Route 709 (Autumn Lane). From there, it follows the same alignment as Alternatives 3 and 4 across Port Republic Road and extending to Route 33 at a location roughly 1,200 feet south of the present Route 704 intersection with Route 33. This alternative would involve constructing a four-lane road with a median. It would not have an interchange with I-81, primarily because of the spacing relative to other existing interchanges and the remote probability of gaining approval for a new interstate access. It would have “controlled access,” that is, access only at intersecting roadways and at property entrances to be determined.

Alternative 3, beginning at Route 11 and ending at Route 33, follows portions of Route 710 (Greendale and Ridgedale Roads), but otherwise would be on new location. This alternative would involve constructing a four-lane road with a median 16 feet wide. The existing interchange at I-81 (Exit 243) would be reconstructed. East of Port Republic Road, the alignment skirts the northern boundary of property to which Rockingham Memorial Hospital plans to relocate. The road would have “controlled access,” that is, access only at intersecting roadways and at property entrances to be determined. As with Alternative 2, the intersection of Route 704 (Boyers Road) with Route 33 would be relocated southward about 1,200 feet. In addition, this alternative would include a spur connecting the new road with Route 726 (Stone Spring Road) to the north (i.e., a Stone Spring Road Extension on new location). Existing intersections of Stone Spring Road and Reservoir Street with Port Republic Road would be eliminated, with both connecting to the new road instead.

Alternative 4, beginning on existing Route 726 (Stone Spring Road) near the City of Harrisonburg limits and ending at Route 33, would be mostly on new location. This alternative would involve constructing a four-lane road with a median 16 feet wide, which would connect with the City of Harrisonburg’s proposed upgrade of Stone Spring Road. There would be no interchange with I-81. The road would have “controlled access,” that is, access only at intersecting roadways and at property entrances to be determined. As with Alternatives 2 and 3, the intersection of Route 704 (Boyers Road) with Route 33 would be relocated southward about 1,200 feet. Existing intersections of Stone Spring Road and Reservoir Street with Port Republic Road would be eliminated, with both connecting to the new road instead.

In addition to these build alternatives, a No-build Alternative also is being considered. If the No-build Alternative is selected, then only other transportation projects funded for construction in the regional long-range transportation plan and VDOT’s Six-year Improvement Program will be implemented.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement that is being prepared will be available for public review and comment 30 days prior to the Public Hearing to be scheduled in early 2006. After results of the public hearing are compiled, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, comprised of citizens appointed by the Governor, will select a preferred alternative. A Final Environmental Impact Statement then will be prepared and presented to the Federal Highway Administration for approval.