The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) has begun the update to its Long Range Transportation Plan, TransAction, which it updates every five years, the authority announced on July 28, 2015.
This current update is significant as it is the first since the implementation of the historic transportation funding bill H 2313 that provides an estimated $300 million annually in local and regional transportation funding to Northern Virginia, NVTA says. The update process is expected to last two years and AECOM has been selected as the consultant. When adopted, the TransAction upate will provide a multi-modal vision for transportation improvements in Northern Virginia and will be the mechanism through which over $1 billion will be allocated to much needed regional transportation improvements through fiscal years 2018-2023.
This update to TransAction involves a comprehensive approach that identifies and prioritizes regional transportation needs; reviews and analyzes existing plans and projects; analyzes demographic and land use date; identifies new projects; utilizes scenario planning and modeling; and engages public involvement. The update process will involve a high level of public engagement, NVTA says. A comprehensive market research plan will be developed to provide inputs to the TransAction update and seek feedback on the projects included within it.
“This update will allow the authority to prioritize projects for funding over a long horizon. It will also enable the authority to continue to work together through regional cooperation to reduce congestion and make Northern Virginia a better place to live, work and visit,” said NVTA Chairman and Prince William Supervisor Marty Nohe.
NVTA continues to advance projects included in its FY2014-16 programs. As of the end of July, the authority has advanced all 33 of the regional transportation projects funded in its FY2014 Program and 21 of 27 projects in its FY2015-16 Program. To date, NVTA funded projects have been completed with five more projects anticipated to be completed by year-end.
Projects include the construction of a second entrance to the Ballston-MU Metrorail Station at North Fairfax Drive and North Vermont Street. The $12 million project, which is part of the FY2015-16 Program and scheduled to begin in January 2018, will include two street-level elevators and escalators, connecting to an underground passageway and new mezzanine. It will have fare gates, fare vending machines and an attended kiosk. The project will provide direct access, relieve congestion at the current entrance and provide for more even distribution along the platform, NVTA says.