Project Overview: TransAmerica Corridor Feasibility Study
Study Purpose
The purpose of the TransAmerica Corridor Feasibility Study is to assess the need for transportation upgrades in Virginia and West Virginia. A feasibility study is the first step in the transportation planning process. A project is feasible if it solves an existing or future transportation problem and if it has benefits that outweigh the costs of building the project.
Study Components
This study will consider the benefits of improving transportation access between the cities of Beckley, WV, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Petersburg, and Hampton Roads, VA. If transportation improvements along the corridor are feasible, more detailed environmental studies will be conducted.
There are several steps in the TransAmerica Corridor Feasibility Study. These steps include:
- Assessing existing conditions
- Mapping
- Conducting regional interviews
- Developing alternatives
- Developing an environmental overview
- Evaluating impacts
- Screening alternatives
- Recommending improvements
Public Meetings
The first task completed for the project was a series of regional interviews with local
officials in the study area surrounding the TransAmerica Corridor. These interviews helped
the project team to identify the transportation needs of the corridor. Several problem
areas have already been identified.
A series of public hearings also were held along the corridor study area in order to
receive public input on any alternatives proposed to meet the identified needs. Meetings
were held in these Virginia cities: Suffolk, Lynchburg, Cloverdale, Clifton Forge and
Petersburg.
Steering Committee Formed
A Steering Committee was formed to help guide the TransAmerica Corridor Feasbility Study.
It was comprised of federal representatives, local planning district members and
transportation officials from localities along the study corridor. The Steering Committee
held meetings throughout the project timeline.
Return to TransAmerica Corridor Feasibility Study project summary page.
