What do sidewalk improvements, safer bike trails, and complete streets projects have in common? These are the kinds of projects the TPB has been able to fund through the Transportation Alternatives Set-aside Program (TAP). These projects reflect the region’s commitment to pedestrian and bicycle access, safety for vulnerable populations, and equity. At its February meeting, the TPB approved 7 projects in Northern Virginia for funding through TAP. These projects help promote regional goals.
About TAP
The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TAP) Program was established by federal law to fund a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trails, safe routes to school (SRTS) projects, community improvements, and environmental mitigation. MAP 21, the surface transportation legislation enacted in 2012, established the program.
The program provides sub-allocated funding for large metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) like the TPB (those MPOs classified as “Transportation Management Areas”) to fund local projects. In addition to these sub-allocated funds, a portion of the TAP funding is reserved for statewide project selection, which is conducted by the state departments of transportation.
For the National Capital Region, the program offers an opportunity to support and enhance regional planning activities. At the direction of the TPB, our region’s TAP is framed as a complementary component of the TPB’s Transportation Land-Use Connections (TLC) Program, which provides technical assistance for small planning studies to TPB member jurisdictions.
Learn more about the TPB’s TLC Program.
The TA Set-Aside offers the region the ability to fund projects that support regional priorities and goals based on Visualize 2045 and the TPB’s other policy documents. Applicants from the National Capital Region are asked to show how their projects will serve these priorities when they seek TAP funds. The priorities also provide the basis for the selection criteria that the TPB’s selection panel uses when it reviews TAP applications and recommends projects for funding.
Here are the 7 projects:
Columbia Pike Complete Streets Improvements - Phase I, Fairfax County
This project adds a sidewalk along the south side of Columbia Pike from Backlick Road to Tom Davis Drive and a crosswalk across Columbia Pike at Tom Davis Drive as the first phase in redesigning Columbia Pike along Complete Streets principles. The area is within the Annandale Regional Activity Center and is adjacent to multiple Equity Emphasis Areas. Prior planning for this project was funded through the TPB’s Transportation Land-Use Connections (TLC) Program.
Orange Hunt Elementary School SRTS, Fairfax County
The proposed project would improve the existing crosswalk at Huntsman Blvd between the path to Orange Hunt Elementary School and Spelman Drive by adding a pedestrian refuge island and curb extensions. The school serve approximately 800 children.
Central Elden Walkability Improvements, Town of Herndon
This project seeks to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and overall walkability of Central Elden Street between Center Street to the east, and just past School Street to the West, by reducing the existing width of travel lanes and utilizing roadway right of way to increase sidewalk width. The improvements will include reconstruction of the existing sidewalk to a continuous 5’ wide sidewalk with brick pavers, construction of a grass strip between the sidewalk and curb, and the addition of ADA-compliant curb ramps. The project is adjacent to the Herndon Activity Center, is within an Equity Emphasis Area, and lies along a Fairfax Connector Bus Service Expansion.
W&OD Trail At-Grade Improvements, Loudoun County
Loudoun County in 2017 evaluated 23 miles of the W&OD Trail. Safety improvements are recommended at crossings with a history of crashes or locations that intersect with roads with posted speeds of 35 mph or greater. The study designated eight crossing as highest priority, and the TPB selection panel has recommended funding for the top four of these crossings: Ashburn Road ($34,034), Hirst Road ($544.547), Smith Switch Road ($544.547), and North Hatcher Avenue ($34,034). Some of the crossings lie in proximity to Activity Centers, Equity Emphasis Areas, and future Silver Line stations.
Wellington Road Shared-Use Path Gap, City of Manassas
Design and construction of 0.35-mile section of the Wellington shared-used path between Nokesville Road and Prince William Street will provide a safe connection over railroad tracks and complete the Wellington Road Shared Use path with an overall length of 3.6 miles. Completion of the trail will provide ped/bike access to schools and parks, the VRE station, and downtown Manassas (a regional Activity Center). It will also improve access for low income and minority communities by serving two Equity Emphasis Areas located along Wellington Road. The trail is a component of the draft National Capital Trails Network, which is tentatively scheduled to come before the TPB for approval this spring. Prior planning for this project was funded through the TPB’s Transportation Land-Use Connections (TLC) Program.
Old Bridge Rd SW-Oakwood to Forest Hills Sidewalk & Pedestrian Improvements, Prince William County
The proposed project will include the design and construction of a sidewalk along the north side of Old Bridge Road (Route 641) from Oakwood Drive (Route 2150) to Forest Hill Road (Route 2183). The proposed project involves the construction of approximately 700 feet of sidewalk along the north side of Old Bridge Road. The project is in proximity to two Equity Emphasis Areas and is a half mile from the Woodbridge Regional Activity Center.
Timber Fence Trail - Phase II, Town of Warrenton
Managed by the Town of Warrenton, the proposed multi-use trail is a cooperative venture between the Town of Warrenton and Fauquier County Government. The Timber Fence Trail will provide at walkable, bikeable, alternative for citizens. Timber Fence Multi-Use Trail connection falls within eligible Transportation Alternatives by providing at 10' off-road trail with 2' shoulders. When completed, the multi-use trail will provide a crucial link in an existing larger trail system. Segment 2 will connect a local park, through adjacent neighborhoods, to the regional aquatic and recreation facility.
Next steps
Now that the TPB has approved the projects, TPB staff will forward information regarding the approved projects to the Virginia Department of Transportation for inclusion in the Commonwealth’s Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP) for Transportation. At its meeting on February 20, the CTB will consider whether to award funding, using the statewide TAP funds, to the remaining Northern Virginia applications.
The application period for TAP funding in Maryland and D.C. will open in mid-April and will close in mid-May.