Regional MPO unveils draft 25-year transportation project list, highlights Rosser Avenue study and pedestrian investments

The Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization on Feb. 24 presented a draft project list and outreach plan for its 25-year Long Range Transportation Plan to the Waynesboro City Council.

"The LRTP identifies transportation needs over the next 25 years and potential transportation projects that could be constructed based on available funding over that 25 year period," said Gareth Bartholomew, transportation planner with the SAW MPO (staffed by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission). He told the council the current work is phase 2 of a three‑phase process and flows from a visioning phase that collected public priorities.

Why it matters: The LRTP sets regional priorities that guide which projects enter the funding pipeline over multiple decades. Bartholomew said the MPO plans to emphasize public input more heavily than in past plans, and the draft project list responds to both technical data and public comments gathered in phase 1.

Key points from the MPO presentation: - Goals: The MPO identified six evaluation goals used to prioritize projects — safety; efficient system management; accessibility; land-use coordination; economic development; and environmental sustainability. - Priority projects: The presentation highlights intersection improvements at Delphine Avenue and Haukman Parkway (realigning approaches and updating signals), multiple pedestrian upgrades on South Delphine Avenue and along Ludewitt Boulevard through Rosser, and the Rockfish Gateway shared‑use path to connect Sunset Park with the Crozet Tunnel western portal trailhead. - Major study: A US 340/Rosser Avenue safety and congestion study (from Northgate Avenue to the southern study limits) was included to address crash trends and peak‑period congestion; public comments also identified congestion at US 340 and Rosser Avenue as a top concern. - Studies and smaller planning efforts: The MPO listed a proposed citywide Waynesboro pedestrian and bicycle plan and several small‑area studies intended to shape future capital projects eligible for funding. - Public engagement: Phase 2 outreach will include in‑person events and an interactive online map (hosted on Social Pinpoint) where residents can comment on individual projects. Bartholomew listed scheduled in‑person events in February and March, with staff offering maps and project information at those sessions.

Council reaction and next steps: Council members asked about how the Rosser Avenue study differs from an existing signal optimization and controller study already in project queues; staff suggested follow‑up discussions offline to clarify scope and potential overlap. Bartholomew said the MPO will use technical committees and local staff input to refine the draft list, then publish a draft LRTP for public review before the board votes on adoption later in the process.

The MPO emphasized that no council action was required that evening; the presentation sought Council feedback and assistance in public outreach.