The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in collaboration with the City of Harrisonburg, is inviting public feedback on a transportation study for Route 42 (Virginia Avenue) between Gay Street and the city limits. The study aims to explore potential solutions to reduce speeds, improve safety during turns, and enhance multimodal connectivity, including pedestrian access.
The evaluation will consider alternatives to maintain traffic flow on the two-lane segment from Gay Street to Edom Road. This area is projected to be over capacity according to the Harrisonburg Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. The corridor presents challenges for cyclists and pedestrians traveling to nearby activity centers and transit connections within and beyond the city.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to participate in an online survey available from May 5-19, 2025. Input from this survey will help identify current issues along the corridor and develop recommendations for improvements. These recommendations will be presented in the next phase of the study, which will include another opportunity for public comment.
The survey can be accessed at https://publicinput.com/st-25-01 and includes a translation tool for other languages. Comments may also be emailed to brad.reed@vdot.virginia.gov or mailed to Brad Reed at VDOT’s Staunton District office.
Additionally, VDOT and Harrisonburg Public Works will host an open house on Tuesday, May 6. Attendees can choose between two sessions: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Detwiler Auditorium or 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Harrisonburg City Hall Room 11.
This initiative is part of Project Pipeline by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB), focusing on cost-effective solutions for multimodal transportation needs in Virginia. It involves collaboration with VDOT, Virginia’s Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI), and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
The study is scheduled for completion in summer 2026 but does not establish construction dates for any improvements. It will propose projects eligible for funding through programs like SMART SCALE, Revenue Sharing, Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), as well as regional and local sources.
VDOT Staunton District can be followed on Facebook and X (Twitter). More information about VDOT is available at https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/.
