Managing Congestion

The Process and the Public’s Role 

We want to hear from you! Over the next fifteen days, beginning on March 2, 2022 and ending March 16, 2022, we want to know your thoughts about the congestion management process. Do you think these maps correctly represent your weekly commute? Why or why not? 

After you review the the CMP, consider sending us your concerns or expression of support. Comments can address individual projects, level of funding, or any other related topic. Send comments to fampo@gwregion.org (you can email or text that email address) or call (540) 642-1235.

Status updates and how you can participate now! 

• Happening now! The Clean Air Act requires that federally funded highway and transit projects will conform to air quality requirements. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has assisted with the assessment of FAMPO’s transportation project list for the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (and the FY21- 24 Transportation Improvement Program) and determined that the list will conform to all federal, state, and local air quality goals.  Before the draft findings are final, the public has a chance to review the findings document and provide comments.  The comment period will begin on October 6, 2021, and end on November 5, 2021. The document is rather technical, but a summary of the findings can be found on PDF page 8 (document page 5) under the heading “Conclusion”. Review the Draft Regional Conformity Assessment document and provide your comments to fampo@gwregion.org or (540) 642-1235. Paper copies and translation are available on request.

There will be a public hearing before the draft conformity findings are adopted. The public may attend the public hearing and provide their comments and concerns directly to the FAMPO decision-making board, the Policy Committee. The public hearing will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 6:00 pm at 406 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. To attend the meeting virtually, join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone by visiting: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/830528245 For your smartphone or tablet, you may search your app store for GoToMeeting. If you are unable to join by computer, smartphone, or tablet, you can dial in using your phone: 1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 830-528-245

** Update! A project description was incorrect and will be corrected in the document that goes before the decision-making Policy Committee for final approval. The change is as follows and can be found on PDF page 28.

• Happening now! FAMPO staff have worked with city and county planners to develop a list of transportation projects that are anticipated to receive federal funding through the year 2050. This list of transportation projects will be included in the new long-range transportation plan for the Fredericksburg region. You can view the list here. After you review the list, consider sending us your concerns or expression of support. Comments can address individual projects, level of funding, or any other related topic. Send comments to fampo@gwregion.org (you can email or text that email address) or call (540) 642-1235. The video resource below will show you how to review the project list.

• Happening now! The public is encouraged to attend committee meetings to learn about the latest work efforts and progress.  View the calendar of events to find information on all FAMPO meetings. There’s also a calendar at the bottom of this page. All committee meetings are open to the public and have time for public comment. Topics that you may hear discussed at these meetings include efforts to collect data, project lists, funding sources, and more. Note: during committee meetings, you will hear other transportation topics discussed. The meeting agenda will highlight when the long-range plan will be discussed. Links to meeting agendas are included in the meeting joining instructions.

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Completed Public Outreach

Public Comment Period for the Draft Transportation Project List

From August 2021 through September 2021, FAMPO staff collected public comments that expressed concern and support for projects on a draft list of transportation projects to receive federal funding through 2050.  Public comments were shared with FAMPO advisory committees. One of the advisory committees, the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), supported residents’ comments by sending a letter to the decision-making FAMPO Policy Committee expressing a desire for a study to be included in the draft project list which would examine building an additional roadway crossing across the Rappahannock River.  After reviewing public comments and the letter from CTAC, the FAMPO Policy Committee decided to approve the draft project list without modification but encouraged residents and CTAC to continue the conversation on needed transportation improvements and continue to provide the Policy Committee with their ideas and concerns. The public comments FAMPO received can be viewed here, and the CTAC letter to the Policy Committee can be viewed here. 

Transportation Improvements Survey

From May 2021 through June 2021, FAMPO conducted a survey to learn where residents encounter travel challenges. Staff received over 1,000 responses. The survey data was analyzed and findings were passed on to transit agencies, elected officials, and those who plan transportation projects for the city and counties. FAMPO staff are having ongoing talks with decision-makers to explain how the survey results can inform their work to improve transportation in the region. These data-driven discussions help staff and decision-makers think about the needs that ought to be addressed through the long-range transportation planning process. A PowerPoint explaining the findings can be viewed here.

Facebook Live

 On January 22, 2021, FAMPO staff were featured on the local library system’s Facebook live lunch hour. They gave a live presentation on developing the goals and objectives for the new long-range plan and spoke about how the public can participate in the transportation planning process. You can view the recording here. 

Survey to Develop Transportation Goals and Objectives for the Region 

On December 31, 2020, we wrapped up a public survey that gathered thoughts on regional transportation goals. This outreach work included two in-person events at FRED Transit. Read the survey results report here. As a result of public participation, the following regional transportation goals were adopted: 

• Goal 1: Have an efficient, convenient, and interconnected multi-modal transportation system.
• Goal 2: Strategically develop, manage, and preserve the transportation system.
• Goal 3: Improve travel safety for all modes of transportation.
• Goal 4: Protect and improve the environment, promote energy conservation and sustainability, and improve the overall quality of life.
• Goal 5: Plan for and establish a multi-modal transportation system that supports the economic vitality of the region.
• Goal 6: Provide multi-modal transportation options that enhance the quality of life and improve mobility for vulnerable groups
  such as, minority, low-income, seniors, and limited mobility groups.
• Goal 7: Educate, learn from, and include in the transportation planning process, members of the public, and stakeholder groups.

Participation Assistance

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.  Persons who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact FAMPO at 540-373-2890 or fampo@gwregion.org. If hearing impaired, telephone 1-800-552-7917 (TTY) or 7-1-1.