How Did We Select the Rio Corridor?
Rio Road serves multiple functions. It is a high-volume arterial road connecting north Albemarle to downtown and provides access to many surrounding neighborhoods. Rio Road also provides alternative transportation options for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. We have also heard concerns from community members about the existing conditions and safety of Rio Road.
What Section of Rio Road Will the Plan Focus On?
The Rio Corridor Plan will focus on the portion of Rio Road that runs from Glenwood Station Lane to the John Warner Parkway. Additionally, an analysis of oncoming traffic and improvements needed will be completed for the area between the John Warner Parkway intersection southward to Pen Park Road.
Most of this section of the road functions as a minor arterial currently carrying up to 29,000 vehicle trips a day. The multiple functions the road serves and its importance to the county and region's transportation network and economy make this section of greater importance than the remainder of Rio Road. Unlike the southern segment of Rio Road east and the portion within the Rio29 Small Area Plan, which have had some level of prior transportation planning, evaluation, and/or project development efforts, this section has not had a similar level of planning and project development.
The study will also inventory recommended improvements for Rio Road from Route 29 to Melbourne Road and identify gaps in transportation facilities along this entire corridor.
Who Will Work on the Plan?
Albemarle County hired Line and Grade to serve as technical transportation design experts for this study. The team at Line and Grade has a wide array of experience in transportation design and transportation planning projects including the Avon Extended Corridor Plan, Colonial Avenue Redevelopment (Roanoke), and the Strasburg Gateway Trail along Route 11. However, this is not solely a technical exercise. The Rio Corridor is an important place for our community that could more effectively promote vibrancy, community connections, recreation, and economic opportunities for all those who use and live along the corridor.
Public Engagement Goals
- Inform participants about the project, and the process, and provide background information to prepare everyone to participate fully.
- Create space to share and understand different perspectives, knowledge, and experiences.
- Reduce barriers to participation.
- Learn who we are, and who we are not, reaching and adjust the approach to respond accordingly.
- Create an inviting, enjoyable experience and get lots of folks to participate in the process.
