2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25102062D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 252
Offered January 8, 2025
Prefiled January 5, 2025
Requesting the Department of Transportation to study traffic congestion reduction on Virginia State Route 55. Report.
PatronFrench
Referred to Committee on Rules
WHEREAS, U.S. Route 48, also known as Corridor H, provides a vital connection between West Virginia and the Commonwealth, and I-81 and I-66 are nearby major highways providing access to other portions of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, there is currently no direct connection between U.S. Route 48, I-81, and I-66; and
WHEREAS, the absence of such direct connection has caused increased traffic congestion on smaller connecting roads, including Virginia State Route 55, which has affected adjacent localities, such as the town of Strasburg; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the Commonwealth to limit traffic congestion on local roads serving as connections between major routes and increase the efficiency of travel throughout the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Department of Transportation be requested to study traffic congestion reduction on Virginia State Route 55. Such study shall identify methods and solutions for traffic congestion reduction on Virginia State Route 55 and assess the feasibility, cost, and impacts on regional traffic flow of such methods and solutions.
In conducting its study, the Department of Transportation (the Department) shall (i) identify and evaluate causes and factors contributing to increased traffic congestion on Virginia State Route 55, including the impacts of the lack of connections between U.S. Route 48, I-81, and I-66; (ii) assess measures to modify and improve Virginia State Route 55 and existing adjacent roads and redirect traffic to alternate routes; and (iii) determine the costs, impacts, and benefits of such measures. In making such assessments, the Department shall also consider input from stakeholders, including representatives of governing bodies of affected localities, the trucking industry, and any other stakeholders the Department deems necessary.
All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department for this study, upon request.
The Department shall complete its meetings for the first year by November 30, 2025, and for the second year by November 30, 2026, and the Department shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document for each year. The executive summaries and reports shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the next Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.