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Valley Southern Title
The Harrisonburg Loop Road: 1988-2004
A Comprehensive History
By Alexander M. Wilmer, Local Government Paralegal

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April 22, 2004 - VDOT Introduces Web Site for Loop Road Project
The Virginia Department of Transportation has created a Web site outlining plans for the Harrisonburg Southeast Connector. The Southeast Connector would move traffic from the Mt. Crawford/I-81 interchange to Route 33 near Penn Laird. VDOT has begun to evaluate transportation problems in this area, which will include traffic and transportation analysis, along with concept development and environmental studies. This study will also include a public hearing in late 2005, with the targeted completion date of the study set for Summer 2006.

You may view VDOT's Web site here

August 5, 2003 - Harrisonburg-Rockingham MPO Begins New Transportation Plan
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has begun to draft a new transportation plan that will eventually replace the Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study (HATS). This new plan will outline transportation needs in the city and county while estimating costs for road improvements and construction. This plan must be completed by the MPO by October 2005.

The MPO includes the City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and the towns of Bridgewater, Dayton, and Mount Crawford. An MPO is required by federal law in areas designated as an urbanized area with a population over 50,000 residents.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the population of Harrisonburg was 40,468 residents; Rockingham County (including Bridgewater, Dayton, & Mount Crawford) had 67,725 residents.

February 4, 2003 - County Planning Commission Supports HATS
The Rockingham County Planning Commission unanimously voted to endorse the 2015 Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study (HATS). This vote follows the January 9 endorsement by the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors. The Planning Commission will incorporate the HATS plan into the overall comprehensive plan for roads in Rockingham County.

January 8, 2003 - Rockingham County Endorses HATS Plan
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to support the 2015 Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study (HATS). Dee Floyd, District 3 Supervisor, cast the lone vote opposing the HATS plan. The 2015 HATS plan will be used by VDOT to guide future road improvements in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Without a comprehensive plan for road improvements, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County area could lose road improvement and construction funding to other Virginia localities.

Rockingham County voted 5-0 on October 13, 1999, to support the HATS plan. Nearly one year later (July 26, 2000), the Board of Supervisors withdrew support for HATS.

June 20, 2002 - Bridgewater Bypass Reinstated in Six Year Plan
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved a revised Six Year Transportation Plan that included the proposed Bridgewater bypass. The CTB had previously removed the Bridgewater bypass from the tentative plan in May. About $1 million will be used for planning the exact location for the Bridgewater bypass.

May 29, 2002 - Bridgewater & Rockingham County Officials Meet with VDOT
Officials from the Town of Bridgewater and Rockingham County met with VDOT representatives to discuss returning the Bridgewater bypass to the Six Year Transportation Plan. VDOT removed the Bridgewater bypass from the transportation plan due to lower revenue projections. Despite a shortfall of funding, VDOT may be able to delay other highway projects to fund planning for the Bridgewater bypass. Both Bridgewater and Rockingham County have passed resolutions requesting the reinstatement of the Bridgewater bypass.

May 28, 2002 - Bridgewater Passes Resolution Urging Construction of Bypass
The Bridgewater Town Council adopted a resolution urging VDOT to reinstate the Bridgewater bypass into the Six Year Transportation Plan--and to construct the road as soon as possible. The resolution also called upon the Town's Delegate, Christopher Saxman, and the Town's Senator, Emmett Hanger, to provide leadership for the bypass.

View the Bridgewater resolution here.

May 22, 2002 - Rockingham County Passes Resolution Supporting Bridgewater Bypass
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution requesting VDOT and the Commonwealth Transportation Board to reinstate the Bridgewater Bypass in the Tentative Six Year Plan, according to WHSV TV-3. The Bridgewater Bypass was removed from the Six Year Plan last week while the proposed Harrisonburg loop road remains on the list.

Board Chairman Bill Kyger stated that the Bridewater Bypass is "probably the best project we have in this whole part of Virginia that they could do right now. They could fix a lot of the problems if they (VDOT) took care of that problem."

May 15, 2002 - Bridgewater Bypass Cut; Harrisonburg Loop Untouched in VDOT Plan
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) cut funding for the Bridgewater bypass from the $7.2 billion Tentative Six Year Plan. The proposed four-lane Bridgewater bypass would run from Route 42 north of Bridgewater to Route 257 east of town. Estimated costs for the Bridgewater bypass range from $12 million to $30 million. The bypass could be included in future revisions of the Six Year Plan.

The Six Year Plan did not cut funding for the proposed Harrisonburg loop road. The $20 million allocated during the 2000 General Assembly will be used to continue planning and evaluation of the proposed loop road.

Overall, $2.9 billion was cut statewide from the Tentative Six Year Plan. Due primarily to a shortfall in state revenue, 179 projects were removed from the VDOT transportation plan. The Six Year Plan is updated each year and includes funding for the current fiscal year, along with projected transportation spending for the next five years.

For more information about the VDOT Six-Year Transportation Plan, click here.

April 1, 2002 - Recap Of 2002 General Assembly
During the 2002 General Assembly, both SB 501 and HB 1289 failed to gain approval. The defeat of both bills will preserve the original wording of the Priority Transportation Act of 2000. This act granted $20 million to fund the construction of a limited access bypass road and improvements to existing roads in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

The Landes Bill (HB 1289) included the following road improvements:
View the Landes map here.

The original Miller Bill (SB 501) included the following road improvements:

View the Miller map here.

March 1, 2002 - Senate Bill 501 Removed from Calendar
Senate Bill 501 was removed from the Senate calendar by the bill's sponsor, Senator Kevin Miller. SB 501 was reworded on February 21 by Delegate Chris Saxman to exclude funding for the limited access bypass road. The rewording of SB 501 was not supported by Sen. Miller.

February 28, 2002 - House Bill 1289 Left in Committee
House Bill 1289, which attempted to remove funding for the proposed loop road, was left in committee. The bill, proposed by Delegate Steve Landes, failed for the second straight year. The Landes bill attempted to exclude the proposed loop road from the $20 million rewarded during the 2000 General Assembly. Funding remains intact for the proposed limited access bypass road around Harrisonburg.

February 26, 2002 - Harrisonburg Fails to Endorse Either Transportation Bill
The Harrisonburg City Council delayed a formal endorsement of either transportation improvement bill. The council stated that an endorsement would be made based on the plan supported by Rockingham County.

February 21, 2002 - Senate Bill 501 Changed
The Senate Transportation Committee voted 20 to 2 to change the wording of Senate Bill 501 to exclude support for the limited access bypass road. The bill now matches the language of House Bill 1289, which discourages the construction of a bypass road. Delegate Chris Saxman introduced the motion to change the wording of SB 501 to match HB 1289. These changes were not supported or endorsed by Senator Kevin Miller, the sponsor of SB 501.

February 21, 2002 - Harrisonburg's Stance on the Loop Road
Harrisonburg City Manager Roger Baker wrote a letter to several local delegates concerning the city's official position on the proposed loop road. The letter was written in response to Mayor Carolyn Frank's comments to the Virginia General Assembly supporting HB 1289. Mr. Baker stated that the mayor's comments were not the official position held by the City of Harrisonburg and that her comments were offered as a private citizen. HB 1289 would include improvements to a few roads in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County but does not include funding for the proposed loop road.

The letter clarified the history of Harrisonburg's support for the proposed loop road. The city voted 5-0 on November 9, 1999 to approve a revised HATS loop road plan. The city council considered a motion that voiced opposition to the loop road plan. This motion failed on June 12, 2001 by a vote of 2-2 with one abstention. Another vote was held on June 26, 2001 that authorized the City Manager to request that the Commonwealth Transportation Board approve transportation projects identified in HATS Plan VI.

Read the City Manager's letter here.

February 9, 2002 - House Bill 1289 Passed at the VA General Assembly
House Bill 1289 was passed by a 16-1 margin at the 2002 Virginia General Assembly. The bill, sponsored by State Delegate Steve Landes of the 25th district, discourages the construction of a bypass road around the city of Harrisonburg. Instead of funding a loop road, HB 1289 would use the $20 million set aside for the loop road in 2000 for improvements to existing highways. If HB 1289 and SB 501 are passed by the General Assembly, both bills would need to be reconciled.

HB 1289 has gained support from the Citizen Alliance for Preservation (CAP) and Harrisonburg Mayor Carolyn Frank. CAP has been an active opponent of the proposed loop road, fearing the loss of additional farm land and increased suburban sprawl.

The most recent loop road concept, Plan 506, was passed by a vote of 8 to 4 on May 17, 2001 by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Highway Advisory Committee. Plan 506 is currently under review by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Track HB 1289 here.

February 9, 2002 - House Bill 947 Tabled
House Bill 947 was tabled by the Virginia House of Delegates after the House Transportation Committee vote resulted in a 10-10 tie. State Delegate Glenn Weatherholtz of the 26th district sponsored this bill that involved funding for local road improvement projects. HB 947 mirrored SB 501, as both bills encourage improvements to local roads while supporting the development of a Harrisonburg-Southeast Bypass. SB 501 passed 37-0 and has been referred to the House Committee of Transportation.

February 1, 2002 - Senate Bill 501 Passed at the VA General Assembly
Senate Bill 501 was passed at the 2002 Virginia General Assembly by a 37-0 margin. The bill was sponsored by State Senator Kevin Miller of the 26th district. SB 501 defines transportation projects in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County region, including improvements to existing roads and the proposed Harrisonburg-Southeast Bypass. This bill will now go to the Virginia House Transportation Committee for further action before being voted on by the full House of Delegates.

Track SB 501 here.

 

June 12, 2001 - Bridgewater Endorses Plan 506
The Bridgewater town council voted unanimously to support loop road Plan 506. The original HATS plan and Plan 506 included a bypass road for the town of Bridgewater. Under Plan 506, a controlled access highway would be constructed from Route 42 north of Bridgewater to Route 257 east of the town. Additional road improvements would be completed on Oakwood Drive (Route 704). Bridgewater is the first locality to endorse Plan 506 since the plan was adopted by the Highway Advisory Committee in May. Bridgewater had previously passed motions endorsing the HATS plan on September 13, 1994 and most recently on July 11, 2000.

May 17, 2001 - Advisory Committee Recommends Revised Plan 506
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Highway Advisory Committee issued its final recommendation concerning the proposed loop road. Prior to the final committee vote, slight changes were discussed concerning Plan 506 and the Osborne Plan. In Plan 506, the entrance to the limited access road near Mount Crawford was moved slightly east from the proposed location due to the road's proximity to Interstate 81. The limited access east-west road was moved closer to Dayton as noted on the revised loop road map.

Following a brief comment and discussion period during the committee meeting, a vote was held for Plan 506. By an 8 to 4 vote, the committee recommended the adoption of the revised Plan 506. The four members in opposition neither rejected nor accepted Plan 506. Following this vote, a second plan was offered by Harold Durrett. Durrett recommended repairs of Route 33, Port Republic Road, Stone Spring Road, and other existing roads. Durrett stated that his plan would not support or endorse the HATS Alternate 6 Plan proposed by VDOT. Also, Durrett stated that the Osborne Plan, Plan 506, and the CAPS Plan would be neither accepted nor rejected at this time. The Durrett motion was rejected 4 to 8, with the four members who voted against Plan 506 voting in favor with Durrett's plan.

A report drafted by Chairman Donald Litten was adopted by the committee. Addressed to Olivia Welsh of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, this report states the recommendation of Plan 506 by the Highway Advisory Committee. The report also acknowledges the hard work and time contributed by each member of the committee. Plan 506 will now be reviewed and studied by the Virginia Department of Transportation. (See a PDF file containing the report here).

Click on the small map to see the full version.

April 7, 2001 - Plan 506 Not Supported by CAP
The Citizen Alliance for Preservation declined to support Plan 506, continuing to support the loop road plan proposed by former VDOT engineer Jack Osborne. CAP and Dee Floyd, District 3 Supervisor for Rockingham County, stated that they would not support Plan 506 during the informal public meeting held to discuss the loop road.

April 7, 2001 - Informal Public Meeting Held
An informal public meeting was held to discuss the new loop road compromise, Plan 506. The meeting was hosted by citizens who live along Route 704 and oppose the new loop road plan. VDOT officials noted that a final decision on road improvements could take up to three years to complete. The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Highway Advisory Committee is expected to vote on Plan 506 on April 19, although the Commonwealth Transportation Board would make the final decision on the placement of the loop road. Citizens and business owners along Route 704 claim that Plan 506 would destroy the character of the area along the road, disturbing campgrounds, hiking trails, and existing homes.

March 15, 2001 - Loop Road Meeting
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Highway Advisory Committee met to continue discussion on the proposed loop road. Chris Runion, President of the Chamber of Commerce, unveiled a new loop road proposal at the committee meeting. Plan 506 was developed as an alternative plan to the original loop road proposed under the HATS plan. Plan 506 was presented as a new plan developed from HATS proposal #5, #6, and the plan proposed by former VDOT engineer Jack Osborne.

The new proposal would be completed in two different phases. Phase 1 includes a new north-south highway and a new east-west road. Phase I also includes the Bridgewater bypass and expansions to Stone Spring Road, Port Republic Road, and East Market Street. Phase 2 improves roads east of the new north-south highway. Frieden's Church Road, Cross Keys Road, Port Republic Road, and East Market Street are included in Phase 2. Pleasant Valley Road will undergo two lane improvements east of the new north-south highway.

Plan 506 would create a new north-south road that would begin on Rt. 257 east of the interstate exit in Mount Crawford and continue north until connecting with Rt. 33 east of Harrisonburg city limits. An east-west road would be constructed from Rt. 42 east to the new north-south road. Both new roads would be four lane limited access highways. Initial projections show that no homes or structures would be impacted by the construction of the two new roads.

A final vote will be conducted at an advisory committee meeting in April on Plan 506. If approved, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County will need to approve the plan before obtaining final approval from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

See Plan 506 here.

February 21, 2001 - Landes Bill Not Passed
The bill proposed by Delegate Steve Landes was left in the Finance Committee without being acted upon. The defeat of the bill leaves the $20 million rewarded during the 2000 General Assembly intact for use on the proposed loop road around Harrisonburg.

January 19, 2001 - Bill Introduced at Virginia General Assembly
Steve Landes, Virginia House Delegate from the 25th district, introduced a bill during the General Assembly that would allow loop road funding to be used for other local projects. During the 2000 General Assembly, Kevin Miller, Virginia Senator from the 26th district, sponsored a bill rewarding $20 million over four years for preparing the loop road. HB 2846 would use the $20 million for other local highway improvements in the southeast corridor of the district.

November 16, 2000 - Loop Road Meeting
The fourth meeting of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Highway Advisory Committee was held. Recent comments made by Virginia State Senator Kevin Miller supporting the loop road were discussed at the meeting.

November 14, 2000 - Letter by State Senator Kevin Miller
Virginia State Senator Kevin Miller sent a letter to Rockingham, Harrisonburg, and Highway Committee officials concerning the proposed loop road plan. Senator Miller voiced his support for improving traffic flow in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
In his letter, Senator Miller supported the HATS proposal consisting of
Senator Miller cited the growth experienced in Rockingham County and Harrisonburg over the past 10 years and the projections for increased growth over the next 15 to 20 years. Senator Miller argued that the Southeast Bypass proposal should be supported as a valid method of improving the flow of traffic in the region.

See Senator Miller's letter here.

October 19, 2000 - Loop Road Committee Meeting
The third meeting of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Highway Advisory Committee was held.

September 21, 2000 - Loop Road Committee Meeting
The second meeting of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Highway Advisory Committee was held. A tour of the region impacted by the proposed loop road was also planned to be held on September 22.

August 17, 2000 - First Meeting of Loop Road Committee
The first meeting of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Highway Advisory Committee met to discuss the proposed loop road project.

July 26, 2000 - Rockingham County Withdraws Support for HATS
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors withdrew their support for the HATS plan and the proposed loop road. Rockingham County had voted unanimously on October 13, 1999 to endorse the HATS plan. The county stated that concerns raised by residents during the recent public hearings contributed to the withdrawal of support. The county reported that approximately 1,800 residents attended the two public hearings. VDOT officials stated that the newly created citizen advisory committee should complete a report on the loop road within the next six months.

July 25, 2000 - HATS Meeting at Spotswood High School
A public hearing and meeting was held at Spotswood High School. This hearing was conducted to address concerns over the loop road proposed under the HATS plan. The hearing followed a similar format used in the previous hearing at Turner Ashby High School. Several VDOT representatives and local government officials attended the hearing and answered questions presented by the audience. This meeting was attended by approximately 650 residents and lasted several hours.

July 24, 2000 - HATS Meeting at Turner Ashby High School
A public hearing and meeting was held at Turner Ashby High School. Local government officials and VDOT representatives attended the meeting and presented information to the public concerning the loop road proposed under the HATS plan. Officials answered questions presented by the audience concerning the loop road. The meeting was attended by approximately 1,000 local residents and lasted several hours.

July 11, 2000 - Bridgewater Passes Resolution Supporting HATS
The town of Bridgewater passed a resolution supporting the HATS plan and the loop road proposal.

June 26, 2000 - Informal Meetings Planned
Meetings are planned in July to discuss the HATS plan. One meeting will be held on July 24 at Turner Ashby High School, another meeting at Spotswood High School on July 25. The public will be able to express concerns and ask questions about the project.

May 17, 2000 - CAP Meeting
The Community Alliance for Preservation (CAP) held a public meeting in Keezletown that addressed citizen concerns over the proposed loop around Harrisonburg. CAP President Gardner Boutilier III and other opponents addressed concerns over the location and need for the bypass around the city. CAP argues that existing roads should be improved instead of creating an entirely new highway. The CAP group fears the new road will destroy agricultural land and increase urban sprawl and traffic congestion in Rockingham County. Approximately 270 citizens attended the meeting to discuss problems with the proposed road loop.

It was also noted in the Daily News Record on May 18, 2000 that the loop was not intended to take traffic off of Interstate 81. VDOT stated plans to widen I-81 to eight lanes in the Harrisonburg area.

April 5, 2000 - County Delays Update of Comprehensive Land Use Plan
The plan to update Rockingham County's Comprehensive Land Use Plan was delayed for up to two years. Opponents of the loop did not want the Comprehensive Land Use Plan updated.

March 23, 2000 - VDOT Pre-Allocation Hearing
The pre-allocation hearing discussed the year 2000 needs list. The list included the HATS plan, widening of Route 11, 33, Route 259, and the Bridgewater Connector route.

March 11, 2000 - General Assembly Approves Funding
The Virginia General Assembly approved funding for planning the loop around Harrisonburg, pending approval by the governor. The funding would provide $20 million over four years to plan the loop design. Location and design work for the 21.5-mile loop around Harrisonburg may take 3-5 years. The cost for the improvements range from $150 million to $200 million. Each three to five mile section of the loop could take two to three years to complete. Several more public meetings are planned. The first public hearing would address concerns of citizens prior to beginning the design work. The second public hearing would address the location and placement of proposed roads. Once the location and design studies are completed, the state Commonwealth Transportation Board will need to approve the location and design of the proposed road. Construction can begin once VDOT purchases land and obtains the necessary permits.

March 7, 2000 - Keezletown Meeting
A Public meeting is held in Keezletown on the proposed road loop. VDOT and Rockingham County officials discussed the HATS plan with approximately 140 people at the meeting.

January 13, 2000 - Cross Keys Town Meeting
Public meeting held in Cross Keys.

November 19, 1999 - Cost Estimates
The preliminary cost estimates for construction are estimated at $191,440,000. The total costs for the project are estimated at $268,872,000.

November 9, 1999 - Harrisonburg Approves Revisions
The Harrisonburg City Council approves the modifications made to the original HATS plan presented by VDOT.

October 13, 1999 - County Adopts HATS Plan
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors formally adopts the plan proposed by HATS with the revisions suggested by the county. The Board voted 5-0 to support the plan with revisions including the eastern bypass, extension of collector roads, and an east-west collector route.

August 4, 1999 - County Letter to VDOT
Rockingham County sends a letter to Wayne Woodcock at the Virginia Department of Transportation Planning Division describing revisions and the phasing of projects.

July 28, 1999 - County Revises Plan
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to endorse revisions to the original HATS plan. Revisions were made on the original plan on the Eastern Loop connector following discussions with VDOT officials and county staff members.

June 21, 1999 - Rockingham County Government Office Meeting
The City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Department of Transportation meet to discuss the HATS plan. Meeting was held at the Rockingham County Government Office, with VDOT representatives from the Staunton District and Richmond Central Office.

May 20, 1999 - County and City Negotiations on HATS
Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg continue negotiations on the HATS road loop proposal.

April 6, 1999 - County Staff Meeting with Chamber of Commerce
Rockingham County staff met with the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Chamber of Commerce on the HATS issue.

March 19, 1999 - Pre-Allocation Hearing
Virginia Delegates Glenn Weatherholz and Steven Landes requested funding for east to west road improvements.

July 16, 1997 - City Examines Revisions
Harrisonburg reviewed changes and revisions made by Rockingham County on the HATS road loop proposal.

March 24, 1997 - City and County HATS Meeting
Both the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County continue to discuss the HATS proposal. The "Concerned Group for the Future and Quality of Life in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County" discuss their views on the HATS proposal.

September 1996 - Bridgewater Negotiations
The town of Bridgewater begins negotiations for purchasing right-of-way areas for the proposed loop. The proposed loop would connect Route 42 to Route 704 and eventually Route 257. The town plans to meeting with landowners to discuss the issue.

April 4, 1996 - Pre-Allocation Hearing
Rockingham County and VDOT held a Pre-Allocation Hearing to discuss transportation needs in the area. Widening of Route 33, 11, and Interstate 81 is discussed.

April 1995 - Final Study Report
A final study report was released by Frederick R. Harris, Inc. The report updates information from the draft report issued in 1994.

November 7, 1994 - VDOT Letter
The Virginia Department of Transportation expressed their disappointment that Rockingham County failed to adopt the HATS plan. The VDOT letter recommended that the county reconsider their position on the HATS plan, encouraging continued discussion over the issue.

October 26, 1994 - Board of Supervisors Endorsement of HATS
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors endorsed the HATS concept but did not adopt the plan formally (Resolution #94-22). Continued discussion of the issue is proposed. The county acknowledged that the HATS plan is a good guide for long-range use planning.

October 19, 1994 - Work session held on HATS
Another work session was held on the Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study (HATS). Worksession continued discussions held on September 20, 1994.

September 20, 1994 - Planning Commission Session
The worksession discussed the HATS plan. The Planning Commission recommends that the Board of Supervisors should endorse the HATS concept but not the adoption of the plan.

September 13, 1994 - Bridgewater Approval of HATS
The town of Bridgewater adopts the HATS plan in its entirety.

September 6, 1994 - Dayton Approval of HATS
The town of Dayton adopted the HATS plan with the exception of the extension of Route 257 from Route 42 to the proposed connection between Routes 701 and 712 east of town.

July 26, 1994 - Harrisonburg City Council Approval of HATS
The City of Harrisonburg formally approves the proposed HATS plan with the Erickson Avenue Extension amended to the general alignment previously approved by the Harrisonburg City Council on June 28, 1994.

July 20, 1994 - Planning Commission Approval
The Harrisonburg Planning Commission approves the recommendation supporting the HATS plan with the Erickson Avenue Extension.

June 28, 1994 - City Council Recommendation
The City Council of Harrisonburg endorses the HATS plan. The city recommends and amendment that includes the Erickson Avenue Extension.

June 23, 1994 - County Hearing on HATS
Rockingham County held a public meeting addressing the plan proposed for the Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study. Several citizens complained about flaws in the HATS plan to expand and create new roads. One speaker criticized the plan to extend Route 257 south of Dayton with a connector road to Interstate 81. Increased traffic and congestion were cited as concerns. Other speakers questioned the need for an eastern bypass from Route 257 to Route 33. The need for improving east to west traffic also was discussed.

June 21, 1994 - City Hearing on HATS
The City of Harrisonburg held a hearing on the recommendations developed by the Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study Committee. The Virginia Department of Transportation presented the HATS $246 million plan. The plan discussed represented the fifth alternative developed for the study. The total cost of the plan could ultimately equal $400 million, covering 36 individual projects. The Eastern Bypass proposal was estimated at $56.6 million for a 12.6-mile highway. The Eastern Bypass would run from the northern Route 11-Interstate 81 interchange to the Mount Crawford-Route 257 Exit on Interstate 81. VDOT Transportation Engineering Program Supervisor Don Wells described the benefits surrounding the Eastern Bypass proposal. The bypass would reduce local traffic on Interstate 81 and serve economic development within the study area. A Western Loop was proposed at a cost of $35.6 million. No comments or complaints were made by citizens attending the public hearing.

June 1994 - Draft Study Complete
Frederick R. Harris Inc. completed and presented a draft study of the HATS plan. The draft study was composed of short and long-term projects addressing traffic congestion projections. The study predicts that 75 percent of all traffic in the HATS area will be congested in the future. The draft study proposed five different alternative network roadway plans. Alternative 5 was agreed upon as the most feasible plan to adopt.

June 16, 1993 - HATS Update Meeting
The Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study Committee discussed several issues concerning road expansion. The HATS Commission discussed the US Route 11-Interstate 81 interchange and the Route 257-Eastern Bypass interchange.

April 22, 1993 - Address by John Miliken
Virginia Secretary of Transportation John Miliken addressed the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. Miliken discussed the Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study and future highway plans in the area. Rockingham County Chairman James Couch addressed concerns over the southern interchange and the location proposed by the Board of Supervisors. The new proposal questioned would connect a planned road with VA Route 704. The original plan connected the road from VA Route 756 to the new Harrisonburg interchange. Local business owners addressed their concerns over the location of the new interchange location.

March 24, 1993 - Formal Introduction of HATS to the Board of Supervisors
The Virginia Department of Transportation presented the Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study, which contained several proposals to the City Council and the County Board of Supervisors. Don Wells stated that the transportation plan would be used to develop new road systems over the next 22 years, costing $245 million. Local officials made suggestions to the current plan, followed by public hearings. Suggestions were made that a proposed road in southern Harrisonburg should be moved to the northern end of Bridgewater. Improvements to Route 704 were also suggested instead of constructing a new road. Several road expansions were also discussed. Interstate 81, US Route 11 and 33, VA Route 257, and Port Republic Road, along with others, were routes recommended for expansion.

February 14, 1992 - Chamber Inquiry over Delays
The Chamber of Commerce sends inquiry to the Department of Transportation over the delay in information since the 1991 meeting. VDOT states that the delay is the result of low support for the initial plan presented in 1991.

July 2, 1991 - Study Overview
Study overview, progress, and findings presented to the HATS committee.

August 29, 1989 - Copy of Memorandum Provided to Signatories
Executed copy of Memorandum of Agreement for conducting the 2010 Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study provided to signatories.

August 25, 1989 - First Meeting Held by the HATS Committee
The Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) Committee holds their first hearing at the Harrisonburg Municipal Building. The HATS Committee projects that there will be 157 percent more traffic in the year 2010 in the Harrisonburg area. The Committee meeting identified several important questions that must be reviewed. Topics discussed at the meeting included the need for a loop around the city of Harrisonburg, the impact of growth from James Madison University, and the need for an industrial access road for Dayton and Bridgewater.

VDOT hired the consulting firm of Frederic R. Harris Inc. to conduct a short-range and a long-range transportation study. The information will be used to create a 2010 Thoroughfare Plan for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Harrisonburg Assistant City Manager Roger Baker stated that the city has experienced a 55 percent increase in traffic between 1975 and 1987. Traffic has increased at an annual average rate of 4.5 percent. Plans to update the thoroughfare plan have been proposed since November 1987. Other updates to the 1995 Thoroughfare Plan were delayed until the summer of 1989. The consultants will propose short-term solutions and long-term plans from the study. Baker supported the need for improved roads controlling east to west traffic flow.

August 23, 1989 - Agreement to the Memorandum
Memorandum of Agreement for conducting the 2010 Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study executed

August 3, 1989 - Distribution of Memorandum of Agreement
The Transportation Planning Division distributed the final version of the Memorandum of Agreement between the city, county, and town of Bridgewater for conducting the 2010 Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study to the localities for signatures.

July 11, 1989 - Notice to Proceed
Notice to Proceed provided to the consultant

July 7, 1989 - Execution of Memorandum of Agreement
Memorandum of Agreement between the Department and the consultant for the 2010 Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study executed.

June 17, 1989 - Review of Consultant Proposals
The Transportation Planning Division is in the process of reviewing consultant proposals for the Year 2010 Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study. In response to the June 10 memorandum, the Transportation Planning Engineer suggests to the Staunton District office that the connector road between Route 42 and Interstate 81 will be included in the transportation study.

June 10, 1989- Resolution Forwarded to Transportation Planning Division
The Department of Transportation's Staunton District office forwards the May 11, 1988 resolution to the Transportation Planning Division in Richmond requesting if such a study could be undertaken and the appropriate time frame.

May 27, 1989- Resolution for Engineering Study
Rockingham County certifies a resolution requesting the Department of Transportation to conduct an engineering study for an access road from Route 42 to Interstate 81, south of Harrisonburg.

May 25, 1989- Draft to Conduct Transportation Study
The Transportation Planning Division provides a draft version of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department, the city, the town of Bridgewater, and the county to jointly undertake the conduct of a Harrisonburg area transportation study to the respective localities for review and comments.

May 11, 1988 - Request for Engineering Study
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors passes a motion asking the Department of Transportation to conduct an engineering study for an access road from Route 42 to Route 11 to Interstate 81, south of Harrisonburg.

April 19, 1988 - First Planning Meeting
The planning commissions from Rockingham County, Bridgewater, and Dayton met jointly for the first time to discuss future growth in the area. Discussed at the meeting was the idea of creating an industrial access road from Route 42 to Interstate 81.

Bill Kyger, Rockingham County Supervisor, noted the importance of planning for future growth in the county and city. Kyger stated that "it's very important that we as government officials, appointed or elected, plan well for the future because if we don't, the future will certainly dictate to us what we're going to have to do." Kyger believed that more meetings should be scheduled to address these concerns between the local planning commissions.

Kerry Potter of the Rockingham County Planning Commission suggested that a study be created to review the need for an access road from Route 42 to Dinkle Avenue (Route 257) in Bridgewater. A local resident at the meeting also suggested that a committee of local citizens should be created to study the issue. County Planner Bill Veno questioned the need for the construction of a new access road and feared the destruction of agricultural land. The creation of an access route was discussed as a possible solution to increased commercial truck traffic through the town of Bridgewater on Route 42 and 257.

Dates listed in this report identify the actual date of events unless otherwise noted.

The years 2010 and 2015 in reference to the Harrisonburg Area Transportation Study refer to the same transportation study.  The initial horizon year of 2010 was changed to 2015 later in the study process.

©2000-2004 Litten & Sipe LLP