Title
Resolution Endorsing the Two Recommended Alignments Resulting from the Peninsula Corridor Study for the Implementation of Bus Rapid Transit and Formally Requesting Hampton Roads Transit to Initiate an Environmental Review Study for those Options Identified in the Cities of Hampton and Newport News
Purpose
Background Statement:
The Peninsula Corridor Study is a long range transportation planning effort currently underway on the Lower Peninsula. The project study is a collaboration between the City of Hampton, the City of Newport News, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), and two private consulting firms that began in March of 2016; the first phase of this study is currently drawing to a close. The context of this project focuses on studying the potential of bringing high capacity transit (i.e. Bus Rapid Transit) to improve transportation service in Hampton and Newport News.
During the summer of 2017, the project team narrowed down the initial list of fifteen (15) potential routes or alternatives to two (2) that are recommended to be advanced to the next phase of study. Alternative 3 is a north-south route along Jefferson Ave that would connect downtown Newport News to the Oyster Point/Tech Center Area; Alternative 6 is an east-west route that would connect downtown Hampton and Newport News via Mercury Blvd (see enclosed graphic).
The 2nd phase of study will involve conducting additional analysis on the two preferred alternatives. This includes conducting more detailed traffic impact analysis, creating more refined costs estimates, and assembling a more comprehensive picture of the project’s economic impact. HRT will also study the potential of combining Alternatives 3 and 6 into a single Bus Rapid Transit system, an idea that both members of staff and members of the public have expressed interest in. Finally, the project team will also conduct an environmental review of each Alternative, to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act...
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