The federal government requires that metropolitan planning organizations with a population greater than 200,000, such as FAMPO, develop a congestion management process (CMP). The CMP provides up-to-date information on transportation system performance and evaluates strategies for congestion management. It assesses several performance measures, planned and programmed projects, alternative transportation modes, and short- and long-term congestion mitigation strategies for major corridors in the FAMPO region. A public comment period began on March 1, 2022, and will run through March 15, 2022. During the comment period, the public will have an opportunity to review additions to the FAMPO Congestion Management Program (CMP), specifically, pre-pandemic congestion, safety, and transit data which provides an update to the document adopted by FAMPO in 2019.
We want to hear from you! Over the next fifteen days, beginning on March 1, 2022 and ending March 15, 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?
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has requested FAMPO add two projects Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP contains a list of projects slated to receive federal funding in the next four years. All transportation projects receiving federal funding are of regional significance and must be included in the TIP document. The process of adding these projects to the TIP document includes a 30-day public comment period followed by FAMPO Policy Board approval. A public comment period began on March 1, 2022, and will run through March 30, 2022 to address two resolutions — UPC 120524 and UPC 120644.
- UPC 120524 (New Park and Ride Lot at Exit 133 near I-95) This project is being funded through the Omnibus Legislation passed in 2020. The goal of this program is to improve the safety, reliability and travel flow along interstate highway corridors in the Commonwealth. As this project is beginning preliminary engineering it needs to be added to the TIP as it is receiving federal and state funds. The project will construct a park and ride lot off of Olde Forge Rd and Route 17.
- UPC 120644 (Rt 1 STARS – Rt 3 Off-Ramp – Spotsylvania Ave Improvements) This is a SMART SCALE Round 4 funded project that is in the preliminary engineering and right-of-way phase. This project will create traffic signal on the off-ramp of Rt 3 to Rt 1, create a traffic signal on Rt 1 prior to the Rt 3 off-ramp, add an additional northbound through lane, add a right turn lane to access Spotsylvania Ave, and add a right turn lane on Cowan Blvd to create two right turn lanes accessing Rt 1.
Over the next thirty days, beginning March 1, 2022 and ending March 30, 2022, we want to know your thoughts about these two resolutions and how they will improve transportation with the addition of a new park and ride as well as along Rt 1 – Rt 3. Do you think these changes will improve transportation or not?
After you review the the CMP and the two TIP resolutions, consider sending us your concerns or expression of support. Comments can address individual projects, level of funding, or any other related topic. Leave a comment below or send an email to fampo@gwregion.org (you can email or text that email address) or call (540) 642-1235.
I think it makes sense to study how to make improvements to the Rt 3 to Rt 1 exchange
Thank you for your comments on the Route 3 to Route 1 interchange. This project has been funded in the State’s competitive application for transportation dollars called SMART SCALE. Linked here is additional information about the planned improvements in case you are curious!
The proposed Congestion Mitigation Program is about as good as it gets considering the restrictions under which it was drafted.
However, it’s well-established that the only sustainable, affordable solutions to congestion are demand controls such as congestion pricing. This is the glaring omission of this, and all other, CMPs.
To rectify this I would recommend formation of a legislative committee to lobby for abolition of the regulations forbidding congestion pricing on established roadways. Perhaps state-wide associations of cities and counties could unite on this effort.
If the politicians on FAMPO Policy and their peers are afraid the voters would react unfavorably to this lobbying, I would at least expect them to institute some programs to educate the public of the benefits of applying congestion pricing instead of the expensive sprawl-inducing projects to which they have been restricted.
One such educational program would be the attachment of disclaimers to all proposed capacity-adding projects; the purpose of which would be to alert the public that there is an alternative that is cheaper, faster, healthier, and more environmentally friendly,; but which, unfortunately, FAMPO is not allowed to use.