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Finance committee forwards VDOT revenue‑sharing grant applications for several street, trail, and safety projects
Summary
The Finance Committee recommended Council approve multiple VDOT revenue‑sharing applications, including Millwood Avenue improvements, Green Circle Phase 4, Middle Road sidewalks/bike lanes, and funding requests toward a Green Circle extension with a pedestrian bridge, plus new candidate projects for safety and traffic-calming.
The Finance Committee recommended that City Council approve a slate of applications to the Virginia Department of Transportation revenue‑sharing program to help fund a series of transportation projects.
Staff noted that every two years the city may request up to $10 million in revenue‑sharing applications (state funds requiring a 50/50 local match). The packet identified three priority projects already slated for construction next year where additional state funds would be requested: Millwood Avenue improvements (coordinated with the new I‑81 bridge), Green Circle Trail Phase 4, and Middle Road sidewalks and bike lanes. Together those three projects would consume about $7.5 million of the $10 million application cap.
Staff also recommended pursuing additional funding for the Green Circle extension and a pedestrian bridge over Millwood Avenue. That project previously received $1 million in revenue sharing but lacks city match in the FY26 budget; staff recommended applying for more funds and noted Council should be prepared to budget FY27 design and match if the application is successful. The committee discussed timing and traffic control concerns tied to a potential signalized crosswalk at Millwood and the community preference for a pedestrian bridge; staff said the bridge would be the longer-term solution and that a signalized crossing would be incorporated if the bridge could not be completed in time with Millwood construction.
New project candidates recommended for submissions included Cedar Creek Grade (a lane reduction/complete-streets project with roundabouts at Harvest Drive and Stoneridge to slow speeds and improve safety) and a neighborhood traffic-safety package proposing mini/mountable roundabouts at Woodland/Frederick/Chestnut and Opequon/Hollingsworth. Staff said the chance of award is higher for projects already in the CIP and that previously funded projects have priority for additional awards. Committee members asked staff to pursue coordination with Shenandoah University on the pedestrian bridge and to pursue right-of-way easements where necessary.
After discussion the committee voted unanimously to forward the applications to Council with recommendation for approval so staff can meet the application deadline.
