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Committee agrees to explore TAP applications for Route 1/207 and Ladysmith pedestrian projects
Summary
Caroline County staff and committee members agreed to pursue Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) applications for pedestrian elements of two previously submitted Smart Scale projects, including Route 1/207 and a Ladysmith corridor, and requested cost estimates and TAP‑eligible scopes.
Caroline County’s Transportation Committee on April 2 directed staff to explore Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for pedestrian elements of two Smart Scale projects that were not funded in the last round.
Staff presented a map and scope showing pedestrian accommodations along U.S. Route 1 and Route 207, including proposed sidewalks, a pedestrian‑activated crosswalk and right‑of‑way acquisition in places where frontage is currently vacant. Rick (Staff member) said the original Smart Scale application was a larger $12 million package that included turn‑lane and roadway elements; the TAP pursuit would focus on TAP‑eligible pedestrian elements and would require a 20% local match.
Committee members discussed pedestrian generators in the corridor, whether sidewalks should be installed on the side with existing businesses rather than across vacant property, and the potential for developers to provide sidewalks through site plan conditions. Alex (Committee member) and other members noted pedestrian activity near the Flying J truck stop, a laundromat and a Mexican restaurant, and emphasized the safety concerns at busy intersections and near schools.
Staff and committee members also discussed an alternate area at Ladysmith Village and Route 1 — a stretch the committee flagged for heavy pedestrian traffic near a library, Tractor Supply and local businesses. Committee members asked staff to identify the TAP‑eligible portions of each corridor and estimate costs for the pedestrian‑only scope, noting that roadway elements removed from the scope would reduce overall cost.
Staff cautioned that TAP applications require "logical termini" — the sidewalk segments must connect pedestrian generators — and that available TAP funds per application cycle are limited. Staff also said right‑of‑way donations could reduce local match but cautioned that donation expectations can affect negotiations with property owners.
The committee gave staff consensus direction to develop TAP‑eligible scopes and cost estimates for the two corridors (Route 1/207 and Ladysmith Village) and to consult with the district TAP coordinator about eligibility and timing. A formal application timetable was discussed; staff said the pre‑application process had started and advised the committee that application timing is constrained by program deadlines.
