On December 7,  2005, FAMPO (Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization)—the regional board that coordinates the area’s transportation planning—took a significant step towards literally paving the road to Crow’s Nest.  They approved the redirection of funds originally earmarked for projects that reduce automobile emissions to pay for a Courthouse Road project whose stated purpose is to increase the amount of automobile traffic traveling to the Brooke VRE station.  The project is the second in a four-phase effort that would create a new road that dead-ends at Stafford County ’s largest tract of undeveloped land: the Crow’s Nest peninsula.

Redirecting Scarce Transportation Dollars

The Fredericksburg region is a “non-attainment” area, meaning ozone levels exceed acceptable Federal standards.  The Federal government offers localities money to fund projects specifically aimed at reducing automobile emissions that are the major contributing factor to high ozone levels.  Typical projects include support for public transportation or bike paths.

FAMPO tried to use these funds to build the Courthouse Road project, arguing it would increase ridership at the nearby commuter rail station.  However, that station is already operating at capacity (see parking data), with no plans or funds for expansion.  A government determination ruled that this intended use did not qualify under the program’s guidelines.  As a result FAMPO had to reclassify these funds to continue the project anyway.  That was the purpose of the December 7th vote.

A Priority Project?

There was little attempt at the hearing to justify the move on the grounds that it would promote commuter rail ridership.  Instead, the plan was touted as one that would straighten a difficult curve and make the road safer.  Several citizens expressed support for this phase of the project, citing the dangers of fast-moving cars on Courthouse Road .  VDOT data, however, shows only 14 accidents on the road in the last five years, none of them fatal and only six of them leading to injuries of any kind.

While there was little challenge to the point that a straightened curve and wider shoulders could help with safety issues, numerous speakers raised the question of whether this project, on a relatively little-used road (see VDOT traffic count), was really a major transportation priority for the region.  Speakers noted that a number of the area’s other roads have much heavier traffic congestion, have more accidents, and are not receiving these funds.  Why, speakers asked, was this road such a priority?

 

Outgoing Aquia District Kandy Hilliard, and incoming Supervisor, Paul Milde, both spoke in favor of Phase 2 of the Courthouse Road project.  The complete 4-phase project includes a new road to Crow’s Nest.

 

The Road to Crow’s Nest

One answer to that question may be seen in the project’s later phases.  Phase III will replace a small bridge on Courthouse Road, allowing heavy trucks, including concrete trucks and other construction equipment, to travel to the area.  Phase IV would create an entirely new road that dead-ends precisely at Stafford County ’s largest tract of undeveloped land: the Crow’s Nest peninsula. The presence of such a road would make development on Crow’s Nest and nearby properties much more feasible. The notice about this hearing sent to residents who live near the project made no mention of the upcoming third and fourth phases of the project.

Both the Aquia District’s outgoing Supervisor, Kandy Hilliard, and Supervisor-elect, Paul Milde, spoke in favor of the road expansion project.  However, most residents speaking at the public hearing opposed the idea, citing more pressing transportation needs in the region, the inappropriate use of funds, and the increased threat to Crow’s Nest.

The FAMPO board is made up of a combination of elected officials and staff.  Bob Hagan and Randy Wheeler from Spotsylvania County voted against the project.  Others, including Stafford Supervisors Bob Gibbons and Pete Fields, voted in favor.

You can read the local newspaper coverage of this event in a story that appeared before the hearing and in a follow-up story after the hearing.