MPO unveils draft 25-year transportation projects for Augusta County; public comment open through March 31

Zach Beard, program manager at the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC), told the Augusta County Board of Supervisors on March 1 that the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization is in phase 2 of its 25-year long-range transportation plan update and is asking residents to review and comment on a draft project list through March 31.

Beard said the update, which the MPO plans to approve in December, is meant to identify projects that could be funded over the next 25 years and covers all travel modes, including driving, walking, biking and transit. "The long range transportation plan update outlines the region's current and future transportation needs and possible projects that could be constructed based on available funding over the next 25 years," Beard said.

The MPO divided the process into three phases: visioning (phase 1), drafting a project list (phase 2) and producing a draft plan for public review (phase 3). Phase 1 public input identified safety, system management, accessibility, land‑use coordination, economic development and environmental sustainability as the plan's evaluation priorities.

Staff highlighted an interactive map hosted on the MPO's Social Pinpoint site that allows residents to view proposed projects, see photos and descriptions, and indicate support. The site separates project types by color (intersection, roadway, pedestrian, study) and lets users vote "yes" or "no" on projects and prioritize proposed studies. Beard said the map is central to phase 2 and that staff used locality staff input and the MPO technical advisory committee to assemble the county-specific list.

Beard summarized several projects identified for Augusta County, including ramp and signal work at the I‑81 Exit 222/US 250 interchange, safety improvements on US 250 from Old White Bridal Road to the Waynesboro city limits (including a raised median and a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side), and a 0.7-mile sidewalk and bike lane markings on Draft Avenue from the railroad crossing to Cold Springs Road. The MPO also proposed priority studies such as a Fishersville pedestrian and bike safety study and an Augusta County Greenway Study focused on Goose Creek, South River and Stewart's Draft.

Beard said the MPO has been holding public events and pop-ups; he reported roughly 60 visitors at the Stanton YMCA engagement and lower turnout at a Stuart's Draft high school event. A board member noted the survey also is posted on the Augusta County Facebook page and encouraged residents to respond. "The survey is also on the Augusta County Facebook page and I strongly encourage everybody to go to one of those locations and go through and do the survey," the board member said.

The MPO set a March 31 deadline for online feedback; Beard asked local leaders to share information about the interactive map and the scheduled public meeting in Waynesboro. The board did not take an action on the plan; staff and the MPO will continue outreach and return with a draft plan later in the year.