The Harrisonburg-Rockingham MPO (HRMPO) and the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro MPO (SAWMPO) each began a transportation study to plan for increasing growth along key regional corridors. Both studies will produce recommendations that localities can use to guide development review and pursue future funding.

HRMPO and Kimley-Horn began the Stone Spring Road and Ridgedale Road Transportation Master Plan with a September 29 kickoff meeting with Rockingham County, the City of Harrisonburg, and VDOT. The study will identify roadway needs for Stone Spring Road, Ridgedale Road, Greendale Road, and Ramblewood Road, evaluate an alignment for a future Peach Grove Avenue extension, and address bicycle and pedestrian connections. Once the consultant completes the study in spring 2027, Rockingham County plans to use the recommendations to guide future rezoning and proffer decisions and to update its Stone Spring Urban Development Area (UDA) Plan.

SAWMPO and Timmons Group began the Frontier Drive Corridor Study with an August 5 kickoff meeting with Augusta County, the City of Staunton, VDOT, and BRITE Transit. The corridor runs from US 11 in Augusta County to Richmond Road (US 250) in Staunton and carries about 9,300 vehicles per day. Current and proposed development could add approximately 2,000 new housing units along the corridor, which would add a significant amount of new traffic beyond current volumes. The consultant will develop improvement alternatives this winter, hold a public open house in early 2027, and complete the study in spring 2027 to support future funding applications.

With deep sadness, we share the news that Frank Friedman, our Commission Chair and Mayor of the City of Lexington, passed away on July 2nd.

Frank served as CSPDC’s Commission Chair for almost ten consecutive years. He championed a succession plan that ensured a smooth transition between Executive Directors in 2024, and he represented our region on the GO Virginia Region 8 Council and the Improve I-81 Advisory Committee. He ran lively Commission meetings, brought thoughtfulness to every discussion, and was deeply committed to his life as a public servant. We will miss him and his steadfast support of the PDC.

Frank’s family has established the Frank Wilson Friedman Memorial Fund, administered by the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath, and Alleghany, as a lasting tribute to his life. For more information visit cfra.fcsuite.com.