VA 42 and Garbers Church Road Small Area Study (2018)
The VA 42 and Garbers Church Road Small Area Study would provide one or more options to address safe left turns for VA 42 northbound buggy drivers and bicyclists to access Garbers Church Road, Garbers Crossing Shopping Center, and business destinations in the City of Harrisonburg.
The curb and gutter section of VA 42 and the close proximity of residences hamper the extension of a buggy lane/wide shoulder to the Garber’s Crossing Shopping Center entrance. Without a safe opportunity for left turn movements, buggy drivers and bicyclists must leave their lane and cross two lanes of vehicular traffic to gain access to the existing left turn lane at Grace Chapel Road or Garbers Church Road and travel a steep route to reach Walmart and City destinations. The absence of bicycle lanes on Garbers Church Road is challenging for the interface of vehicles with buggies and bicyclists.
The study team includes Rockingham County, Town of Dayton, and VDOT staff, as well as representatives from the Rockingham County Bicycle Advisory Committee and horse and buggy drivers. The MPO is working with consultants Hurt and Proffitt for this project. Hurt and Proffitt Inc. is part of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission On-Call Consultant program. The consultants will use input from the study team and the public to refine two to three options for improving buggy and bicyclist access to destinations north of Garbers Church Road on VA 42.
A public meeting was held on July 19, 2018, from 4-6 p.m., at the Dayton Municipal Building, 125 Eastview Street, Dayton, VA.
Regional Significance: VA 42 is a critical regional link to the Mennonite community, Bridgewater, Dayton, Harrisonburg, and the commercial services provided near and in the City.
Study Objectives: Evaluate intersections and approaches for potential safety and operational improvements for present day and future access to commercial uses along VA 42 for buggy and bicycle travel.
Status: Concluded October 2018
