The Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization and PlanRVA are seeking public comment on a draft plan called ConnectRVA 2045
. It’s a long-range transportation plan for the Richmond region, including the city + several surrounding counties.
Background
The RRTPO is charged with developing plans for transportation infrastructure on a continuous basis. The organization creates a 25-year plan and updates it every 5 years. This way, it can account for the needs of the community and use public funds effectively — think of it as a framework for thinking about what our transportation needs may be. The current plan has been in development since 2019.
The ConnectRVA 2045 website features interactive maps to explore proposed improvements. | Screenshot from ConnectRVA 2045
What’s included
The plan encapsulates all kinds of transportation in the region, from biking and pedestrian travel to cars, buses, and trains. It is guided by 5 goals.
- Safety: This includes enhancing safety of bicycle + pedestrian facilities as well as limiting vehicular accidents.
- Environment/Land Use: There are measures recommended to reduce the negative environmental impacts transportation systems can have.
- Equity/Accessibility: The main focus here will be improving access through greater availability of affordable + efficient transportation choices.
- Economic Development: This concerns reducing peak travel times + other traffic issues, which promotes economic vitality.
- Mobility: The goal is to increase the amount of complete streets in good repair so the transportation system is reliable.
Standout projects
A big part of the plan deals with maintaining the highway and street systems in the region, but other ventures are also proposed. These include Park & Ride lots, which would expand the reach of public transit, and improving trails like the Virginia Capital Trail
, the Fall Line
, and the James River Park System
.
Get involved
Richmonders can read + provide feedback on the plan online
through Wed., Sept. 15. There’s also an in-person meeting tomorrow, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Fairfield Area Library on Laburnum Ave.
Poll