The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in partnership with the City of Harrisonburg, is requesting public input for a transportation study focused on Virginia Avenue (Route 42) between Gay Street and the northern city limits of Harrisonburg.
The study aims to explore ways to reduce vehicle speeds, improve safety, and increase connectivity for all users, including pedestrians. Community feedback will be used to help shape final recommendations for improvements along this section of Virginia Avenue.
Residents and travelers can participate by completing an online survey available from December 9 through December 23, 2025. The survey includes translation options for multiple languages and can be accessed at https://publicinput.com/st-25-01alts. Feedback can also be submitted via email to brad.reed@vdot.virginia.gov or mailed to Brad Reed at the VDOT Staunton District office.
Additionally, VDOT and the City of Harrisonburg are hosting two open-house meetings on Thursday, December 11. The first session will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community’s Strite Auditorium at Crestwood (1401 Virginia Ave.), while the second will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Harrisonburg City Hall (409 S. Main St.). These meetings provide opportunities for community members to share their experiences and ask questions about proposed changes.
The Virginia Avenue study is part of Project Pipeline, a performance-based planning initiative developed by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Project Pipeline seeks cost-effective solutions for multimodal transportation needs across Virginia and is led by the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment in collaboration with VDOT and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Study completion is anticipated in summer 2026; however, no construction timelines have been established as a result of this process so far. The study will recommend potential projects that could qualify for various state funding programs such as SMART SCALE, Revenue Sharing, or Highway Safety Improvement Program funds, as well as regional or local funding sources.
Updates about this project and other VDOT initiatives are available on VDOT’s website and social media channels.
