www.roanokecountyva.gov/pz
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is an advisory board to the Board of Supervisors. The Commission makes recommendations on a variety of land use issues. The Commission is also charged with preparing and maintaining the Comprehensive Plan and recommending changes to reflect new land use policies.
Planning Commission held a total of 17 meetings in 2022, including 8 public hearings, 6 work session meetings, and 3 special meetings. Kelly McMurray served as Chairman and Troy Henderson as Vice-Chairman.
The Commission is established under the authority of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended), Chapter 22, Article 2 and pursuant to a motion of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors on June 19, 1939, as authorized by Section 2, Chapter 427 of the Acts of the General Assembly, adopted March 30, 1936.
Rick James Vinton District (January 2014)
Wayne Bower Hollins District (July 2014)
Kelly McMurray Cave Spring District (January 2020)
Jim Woltz Windsor Hills District (January 2013)
Troy Henderson Catawba District (February 2017)
Planning Commission Actions
Rezoning Applications Recommended by the Planning Commission in 2022:
• The petition of Ronald Moran and Michael Boynton to rezone approximately 3.145 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential District, to I-1, Low Intensity Industrial District, located at 4038, 4056, and 4066 Crossmill Lane, Catawba Magisterial District.
• The petition of ABoone Real Estate, Inc., to rezone approximately 32.32 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential, District, to C-2 High Intensity Commercial District, and R-3 Medium Density Multi-Family Residential District, to construct a hotel and townhouses located in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Edgebrook Road, Catawba Magisterial District.
• The petition of Insite Real Estate Investment Properties, L.L.C, to rezone approximately 0.93 acre from R-2, Medium Density Residential District, to C-2, High Intensity Commercial District, to construct a drive-in or fast food restaurant (quick-serve coffee shop) located at 7515 and 7517 Friendship Lane, Hollins District.
• The petition of the Gallery at South Peak, LLC, to rezone approximately 10.83 acres from C-2C, High Intensity Commercial District with conditions, and R-4C, High Density Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, to R-4C, High Density Multi-Family Residential with amended conditions, to construct 260 apartments located in the 5000 block of The Peaks Drive, Cave Spring Magisterial District.
• The petition of Barnett Properties, LLC, to rezone approximately 9.38 acres from R-3C, Medium Density Multi-Family Residential District with conditions; R-1, Low Density Residential District; I-1C, Low Intensity Industrial District with conditions; C2-C, High Intensity Commercial District with conditions; and C-1, Low Intensity Commercial District; to C-2, High Intensity Commercial District, for retail sales located in the 4400 block of Brambleton Avenue including 4449 and 4457 Brambleton Avenue, and the 4500 and 4600 blocks of Old Cave Spring Road, Windsor Hills Magisterial District.
Special Use Permits (SUP) Recommended by the Planning Commission in 2022:
• The petition of WECO LLC to obtain a SUP to operate a short-term rental on approximately 2.28 acres on property zoned R-1, Low Density Residential, located at 910 Paint Bank Road, Catawba Magisterial District.
• The petition of Wild Partners to obtain a SUP to operate a car wash on 1.03 acres on property zoned C-2C, High Intensity Commercial District with conditions, located at 3250 Electric Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District.
• The petition of Chyrel Gregorieff to obtain a SUP to operate a short-term rental on approximately 0.5 acre on property zoned R-1, Low Density Residential, located on 4309 Cresthill Drive, Windsor Hills Magisterial District.
• The petition of Om Shree Hospitality, LLC to obtain a SUP to allow a multi-family use to account for more than 50 percent of the gross floor area on the site of approximately 9.99 acres zoned C-2, High Intensity Commercial District, located near the 2700 block of Wildwood Road and the 1700 block of Skyview Road, Catawba Magisterial District.
• The petition of Zye Reinhardt and Gaven Reinhardt to obtain a SUP in an AR, Agricultural/Residential, District for a special events facility on approximately 42.08 acres, located at 2875 Timberview Road and the 2400 block of Loch Haven Drive, Catawba Magisterial District.
• The petition of of Neil Aneja to obtain a SUP to operate a short-term rental on approximately 0.30 acre on land zoned R-1, Low Density Residential, located at 2726 White Pelican Lane, Cave Spring Magisterial District. The Board of Supervisors voted to deny this SUP.
• The petition of Panda Storage Rentals and Sales to obtain a SUP for equipment sales and rentals and a SUP for a mini-warehouse on approximately 4.82 acres on land zoned C-2, High Intensity Commercial District, located in the 5300 block of West Main Street and the 5400 block of Pleasant Run Drive, Catawba Magisterial District.
Planning Commission Actions
Zoning Ordinance
Amendments Recommended by the Planning Commission:
• The Planning Commission and staff developed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding halfway houses. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on December 6th and recommended approval. The proposed amendments: amended the definition of halfway house in Article II (Definitions and Use Types); changed halfway house from a special use to a permitted use in the AV (Agricultural/Village Center) and C-2 (High Intensity Commercial) Districts, added halfway house as a permitted use in the C-1 (Low Intensity Commercial), I-1 (Low Intensity Industrial) and I-2 (High Intensity Industrial) Districts, and added halfway house as a special use in the R-1 (Low Density Residential), R-2 (Medium Density Residential), R-3 (Medium Density Multi-Family Residential), and R-4 (High Density Multi-Family Residential) Districts in Article III (District Regulations); and added use and design standards for halfway house in Article IV (Use and Design Standards).
Additional Meetings and Presentations:
• Roanoke County 200 Plan Update
• Joint meetings with Board of Supervisors
• 419 Town Center Design Guidelines
• Transportation Updates
• Joint meeting with Economic Development Authority
• Route 460 Land Use and Connectivity Study Presentation
Comprehensive Plan Amendments:
• 419 Town Center Plan Design Guidelines:
The Roanoke County Planning Commission held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment would amend the 419 Town Center Plan, which is a component of the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan, by incorporating the 419 Town Center Design Guidelines into the 419 Town Center Plan.
The 419 Town Center Plan study area is approximately 400 acres in size located near Tanglewood Mall covering Route 419 from US-220 to the railroad bridge near Chaparral Drive. The 419 Town Center Design Guidelines provide further guidance on the design of both public and private investments in the study area to help shape the built environment over the long-term future of this area.
Joint Meeting with EDA
419 Town Center Design Guidelines Map
Planning Staff
New Employees:
• Paula Benke, Transit Planner, Transportation Division (transferred from Social Services)
• Lionel Cruz-Cruz, Planner ICode Enforcement Officer, Zoning Division
• Jake Harding, Planner II, Long-Range Planning Division
• Ross Hammes, Planner II, Long-Range Planning Division
New Certifications:
• Megan Cronise: Recertification through VDOT’s Locally Administered Projects Qualification Program
• Cecelia Thomas: Virginia Certified Planning Commissioners Program
Staff supported the following boards, committees, and business and civic associations this year:
• Career & Technical Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee
• Council of Community Services
• Plan Roanoke Responsible Regionalism Committee
• Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• Regional Housing Study
• Regional Local Food Planning Committee
• Roanoke River Blueways Committee
• Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission
• Roanoke Valley Urban Forestry Council
• Town of Vinton Route 24 Technical Steering Committee
• Transportation Policy Board (TPO)
• Transportation Technical Committee (TTC)
• Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association (GWRABA)
• Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Boards and Committees
Back: Brian Epperley, Philip Thompson, Jake Harding, Will Crawford, Bill Richardson, & Alexander Jones Front: Isaac Henry, Paula Benke, Lionel Cruz-Cruz, Cecelia Thomas, Rebecca James, Megan Cronise, Alyssa Dunbar, & Ross Hammes
Awards & Certifications
West Roanoke River Greenway Feasibility Study: In Spring 2022, Roanoke County applied for and was awarded technical assistance through the National Park Service River, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to study potential routes for the Roanoke River Greenway between Green Hill Park and Montgomery County. This study kicked off in Summer 2022 and seeks to build off the 2018 Roanoke Valley Greenway Plan and ongoing VDOT Valley to Valley Trail Study by identifying realistic alignments for this section of the Roanoke River Greenway that can be used for future funding requests. Two community meetings were held in Western Roanoke County in Fall 2022, and another round of community meetings will be held in Spring 2023. It is anticipated that the study will conclude in Summer 2023.
Certifications held by Planning Staff:
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP): 5
• Certified Board of Zoning Appeals Program: 2
• Certified Combined Administrator for Erosion and Sediment Control: 1
• Certified Floodplain Manager, Association of Floodplain Managers: 1
• Certified Transportation Manager (VAZO): 1
• Certified Zoning Administrator (VAZO): 1
• Graduate Certificate of Geographic Information Technology: 1
• Graduate Certificate of Natural Resource Management: 1
• Lean Management for Practitioners (VT): 1
• Locally Administered Projects Qualification Program (VDOT): 3
• Virginia Certified Planning Commissioners Program (VCU): 5
Zoning Review
New
Accessory
New
Chili’s Tanglewood Site Plan
Richfield Living Site Plan
Zoning Enforcement
Roanoke County 200 Plan
The Roanoke County 200 Plan is a major, 15-year update to the Comprehensive Plan to mark the County’s bicentennial in 2038. The plan will guide public policies about land development, public services, and resource protection. The plan Allows decision makers to study the long-term consequences of current decisions and recognize that today’s actions will impact the county for many years to come. Planning staff completed Phase II and are in the process of completing Phase III of the Roanoke County 200 Plan process. The planning process is expected to be completed in 2023.
2022 Public Input:
Nearly 150 citizens attended the community meetings and 428 citizens completed the surveys on the draft goals and reccommendations in Spring 2022. Seven Roanoke County 200 Plan open house planning meetings were held around Roanoke County in Spring 2022 for citizens to review draft goals and recommendation options based on the feedback received throughout the Fall 2021 community engagement. Draft goals were developed based on input that we received at the community meetings and online surveys in Fall 2021. Citizens reviewed and provided comments on the new draft goals and recommendations that will shape the draft Roanoke County 200 Plan document. The draft goals and recommendations displayed included natural and cultural resources, land use, community facilities and infrastructure, and transportation.
Staff gave presentations to County decision makers, local business groups, civic leagues and other organizations throughout 2022 on the development of the Roanoke County 200 Plan.
Roanoke County 200 Plan
Virtual Community Engagement:
A list with over 3,000 people is being maintained to give regular email updates on the Roanoke County 200 Plan and Roanoke County’s website social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) are regularly updated with new information. All content was designed and executed in-house by Planning staff.
Stakeholder Meetings:
Stakeholder meetings were held throughout the year, and will continue during the Draft Roanoke County 200 Plan Reveal and Adoption process. Thus far, the following organizations have participated:
• Botetourt Co.
• City of Roanoke
• City of Salem
• Community Accessibility & Inclusion Organizations
• Roanoke Co. Economic Development Authority
• ELEVATE Roanoke County Plan Stakeholders
• Franklin Co.
• Montgomery Co.
• Public Safety
• Roanoke Co. Board of Supervisors
• Roanoke Co. Department Leadership
• Roanoke Co. Libraries
• Roanoke Co. Planning Commission
• Roanoke Co. Public Schools
• Regional Housing Experts
• Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority
• Town of Vinton
• Transportation Organizations
419 Town Center Plan
In 2019, the Board of Supervisors adopted the 419 Town Center Plan as part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The 419 Town Center is redefining Roanoke County’s largest retail destination as a vibrant, walkable community with many transportation and economic development projects.
Transportation projects: Plan implementation has continued with the Route 419 Widening, Safety and Multimodal Improvements Phase I project, which is complete. Fallowater Lane Extension, now named Ridge Top Road, is open to traffic. Preliminary engineering will begin this year for the Route 419 Streetscape Improvements, Phase II, to extend the Phase I multimodal improvements and additional travel lanes between Starkey Road and Ogden Road.
Economic Development projects: The $15 million Carilion Children’s expansion at Tanglewood adding new psychiatry and behavioral medicine outpatient services. The opening of the two-story, 16,000 sq. ft. Fallowater Square office building on Fallowater Lane. The opening of Burlington at Tanglewood, Frantz Diamonds on Ogden Road, Soccer Post at Old Country Plaza, and new-to-market Discount Tire on Route 419. New-to-market Chili’s, new-to-market Skechers, and Popeyes are under construction at Tanglewood and should open in 2023.
2022 Awards for the 419 Town Center Plan: Roanoke County’s 419 Town Center Plan received honors from accredited organizations in 2022. Organizations including the International Economic Development Council, the National Association of Counties, the Southern Economic Development Council, and the Virginia Economic Developers Association recognized the Reimagine 419 Plan for its innovative and collaborative approach to revitalizing Route 419, Roanoke County’s premier commercial corridor.
Route 419 Phase I Project Completed; Chili’s & Popeyes Under Construction
419 Town Center Plan
On September 28, 2022, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the 419 Town Center Plan, which is a component of the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan, by incorporating the Roanoke County 419 Town Center Design Guidelines into the 419 Town Center Plan.
The 419 Town Center Design Guidelines were completed under a Growth and Accessibility Planning (GAP) technical assistance grant. Administered by Virginia’s Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI), GAP technical assistance projects seek to align infrastructure development with designated and emerging growth areas to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Organized under four program components, Roanoke County applied for planning assistance to explore improvements necessary to further the implementation of the 419 Town Center Plan.
The design guidelines are an accompaniment to the 419 Town Center Plan to provide further guidance on the design of both public and private investments and improvements in the study area to help shape the built environment, meet community expectations, provide a vibrant public realm, and maintain a consistent character and high quality of design and aesthetic over the long-term future.
As developers, investors, companies, institutions, and other stakeholders begin to participate in the study area’s evolution, they will be looking for the additional guidance provided by the design guidelines to execute projects that advance the 419 Town Center Plan vision.
While the creation and evolution of mixed-use development over time can involve many unknowns, there are several overarching guiding principles that should be followed as a basis for successful projects: Placemaking, Diversity of Uses and Densities, Pedestrian Orientation, Flexible Transportation Network, and Environmental Sustainability.
These design guidelines provide a framework to ensure that the implementation of projects within the study area will be of a high design quality and character. Ultimately, they are about helping provide consistency and preserving investments. These guidelines are not intended to supplant existing policies and procedures regarding planning and development, but instead to provide additional guidance and flexibility to help both public and private projects achieve the vision of the 419 Town Center Plan.
Oak Grove Center Plan
In 2021, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Oak Grove Center Plan as part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The Oak Grove Center Plan area is located along Electric Road in both Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke. This high visibility corridor has numerous opportunities for redevelopment and many new businesses growing in the area. Oak Grove is a place where people and businesses want to be.
The Oak Grove area is already seeing increased development and new businesses opening. A study was conducted by VDOT and Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) to evaluate safety and operational conditions along the 419/Electric Road corridor in 2022.
Oak Grove Pedestrian Improvements Project
• This project will upgrade the existing Route 419/Carriage Lane/ Grandin Road traffic signal with pedestrian signals and crosswalks, including ADA ramps. Construction is underway as of January 2023.
Some new businesses that opened in Oak Grove in 2022 include:
• Starbucks: The new coffee shop opened in the newly redeveloped former BB&T building on the City of Roanoke side of Route 419.
• BP Station at Oak Grove Plaza: The gas station at Oak Grove Plaza has been renovated and reopened as a BP station. The building boasts a new mural, contributing public art to Oak Grove Center.
• The Whimsical Spider: A new shop offering a blend of handcrafted goods and antique pieces.
• QuiltOff Longarm Quilting & Quilts: A new shop that offers longarm quilting service, quilting tools, fabrics, supplies, and classes.
New Galen College of Nursing Campus Announced
• The Galen College of Nursing Roanoke campus located in Metis Plaza will feature modern resources – from advanced patient simulation labs to classroom environments designed to encourage practice-based learning – that help create a unique hands-on learning experience. Galen’s student support model has helped over 30,000 graduates enter the profession over the last 30 years.
Oak Grove Park Improvements Announced
• The Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism project will include a new picnic shelter, interpretive nature education trail, enhanced walking path, expanded parking, restrooms, and playground. In addition, the tennis courts will be converted to pickleball courts. We look forward to building an enhanced experience the community will enjoy. The project is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2023.
Hollins Center Plan
In 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Hollins Center Plan as part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan. With the highest population density and employment concentration in Roanoke County, the Hollins area provides an excellent location for business investment opportunities. The Hollins Center area contains over 270 commercial and residential properties. Hollins Center Plan Implementation continued this year with several transportation projects and new businesses have opened in the area.
Transportation projects include:
• The Plantation Road Streetscape Improvement Project, Phase 2 from Walrond Drive to Gander Way is complete.
• Sidewalk along Williamson Road between Peters Creek Road and North Roanoke Assisted Living is complete.
Economic Development Announcements in Hollins in 2022 include:
• New Roanoke County Public Schools Career & Technical Education Center 31 acre site at 6251 Peters Creek Road was purchased (see details on page 25).
• Southern Team Hyundai will be expanding their operations in the Hollins area and will construct a new 30,000 sq. ft. Sales and Service facility at 7300 Williamson Road. This all-new Hyundai Facility designed with Fast Charging Electric Vehicle capabilities and will provide 50 new jobs.
• Vistar Eye Center is constructing a 26,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility on Airport Road.
• Her Perfect Day Boutique & Design Studio is now open.
• Springhill Suites by Marriott (86 rooms) is under construction on Gander Way.
Graphic Design Projects
Planning staff often assist other departments or organizations with conceptual plans, graphic design projects, mapping, and public engagement initiatives. The graphics and marketing strategy for the Roanoke County 200 Plan have been designed, generated, planned and executed in-house by Planning staff. This includes the County website and social media pages, print materials and signage, roadside banners, community meeting exhibits, video content and e-newsletters. Below is a variety of in-house 2022 design projects:
Graphic Design Projects
Funding Awarded in 2022
Planning staff applied for funding through several programs in 2021. We applied for grants through 10 programs. Some of these programs include the Transportation Alternatives Program (TA) (80% Federal/20% Local match), the Revenue Sharing Program (50% State/50% Local match) and the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) (100% State/Federal).
Projects include:
• CORTRAN: An application was submitted to DRPT to support the County’s CORTRAN (County of Roanoke Transportation) program. The application requested FTA Section 5310 funding (96% State/ Federal funding and 4% Local Match) for the urbanized area of Roanoke County. DRPT awarded the County $288,000 for funding in the urbanized area and $250,000 for funding in the rural area, after requesting Roanoke County lower the eligible program age from 70 to 65 years. The Board of Supervisors approved this program change effective October 1, 2022.
• McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle: Demonstration Project funding was requested and awarded from DRPT in the amount of $97,920 (80% State/20% Local Match) to initiate shuttle service from the Interstate 81 Exit 140 Park and Ride to the McAfee Knob Trailhead. Shuttle service began on September 2, 2022, running on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays until November 27, 2022. Service will restart on March 3, 2023, and will run until November 26, 2023.
• Dry Hollow Road Improvements: Additional funding was requested for Phase 2 of this project, which will install box culverts to pipe Dry Hollow Creek under a Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge. The roadway can then be extended to widen the travel lanes. Revenue Sharing awarded: $1.3 million County match (50/50 County/VDOT).
• Glade Creek Greenway through Vinyard Park West: Construct Phase 4 of the Glade Creek Greenway along Glade Creek in Roanoke County’s Vinyard Park West. TA awarded: $521,000 (80/20 Federal/County match).
• I-581 at Exit 2 (Peters Creek Road) Interchange Improvements Phase 1/Request for SMART SCALE Leverage Funds: Requested funding for Option 1, which would realign the I-581 northbound off-ramp to Peters Creek Road eastbound and add a traffic signal at Peters Creek Road. STBG awarded: $4.1 million (100% State/Federal funding).
• Roanoke River Greenway from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Explore Park: A supplemental funding request and a new FLAP application were submitted to the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration to satisfy a funding deficit on this existing greenway project. $800,000 in federal funding was awarded (80% Federal/20% Local Match) and the project is anticipated to begin construction in 2023.
Glade Creek Greenway through Vineyard Park West
I-581 at Exit 2
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N
Funding Requested in 2022
Planning staff applied for funding through several new and existing programs in 2022. These programs include:
• SMART SCALE
• FTA Section 5310 through the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT)
• Demonstration Project Program through DRPT
• Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP)
Projects include:
• Safe Streets and Roads for All
• Railroad Crossing Elimination
• Congressionally Eligible Funding Request
• Community Project Funding Appropriations Request
• 2024 Shuttle to the McAfee Knob Trailhead: A Congressionally Eligible Funding Request was submitted to Senator Kaine’s office to consider funding McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle service in 2024 when a pedestrian bridge under construction will close the existing McAfee Knob Trailhead parking lot. The source is 100% Federal funding and the $810,000 request was not approved.
• Wood Haven Technology Park Water Service Extension: A Community Project Funding Appropriations Request was submitted to Congressman Griffith’s office for extending water service to the Wood Haven Technology Park. The $820,000 request was awarded and matched with $670,000 in Western Virginia Water Authority funds.
• Appalachian National Scenic Trail, McAfee Knob Transit Access Improvements: A Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) request was submitted for funding to design and construct a permanent shuttle turnaround, shuttle stop, parking spaces and restrooms on property adjacent to the McAfee Knob Trailhead parking lot. The source is 100% Federal funding and the $2,871,976 request was not funded.
• Safe Streets and Roads for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan: An application was submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Safe Streets and Roads For all Discretionary Grant Program for a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for Roanoke County, Botetourt County and the Town of Vinton. The source is 80% Federal/20% Local Match and the request was $280,000.
• Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Planning for Layman Road/Glade Creek Road: An application was submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program for a Planning Grant for a Bonsack Area Railroad Crossing Elimination Study. The source is 80% Federal/20% Local match and the request was $400,000.
Funding Requested in 2022
The following projects were applications submitted for SMART SCALE funding. This source is 100% State and Federal funding. The Commonwealth Transportation Board will include funded projects in the SixYear Improvement Program in June 2023.
• I-581 at Exit 2 (Peters Creek Road) Interchange Improvements: This application was submitted to leverage $4,058,056 in existing STBG funding to realign the I-581 northbound off-ramp to Peters Creek Road eastbound and add a traffic signal at Peters Creek Road, to fund a larger project which would add a second left turn lane from Peters Creek Road to Valleypointe Parkway, pedestrian signals and crosswalks, bicycle lanes and future sidewalks. The funding request was $17,356,847.
• East Roanoke River Greenway Gap, Phase 2: This application was submitted to extend the East Roanoke River Greenway from Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority (VRFA) property at 3404 Highland Road, where a segment of greenway is currently under construction, northwest across a privately-owned property to another VRFA parcel. The funding request was $27,624,647.
• Route 419/Electric Road Safety Improvements, Grandin Road Extension to Keagy Road (South): This application includes a Restricted Crossing U-Turn intersection at Grandin Road Extension, sidewalk along the western side of Route 419 between Grandin Road Extension and Keagy Road to connect to Keagy Village and sidewalk along the eastern side of Route 419 to connect the new sidewalk at Starbucks to the proposed pedestrian signals and crosswalks at the Keagy Road intersection. The funding request was $13,602,562.
• Route 419/Electric Road Safety Improvements, Stoneybrook Drive to Grandin Road Extension: This application includes Restricted Crossing U-Turns at Stoneybrook Drive and at Glen Heather Drive, as well as sidewalk along the west side of Route 419 between Glen Heather Drive and Grandin Road Extension. The funding request was $6,624,464.
• Walrond Drive Multimodal Improvements: This application proposes sidewalk and crosswalks along Walrond Drive to connect the Plantation Road Bicycle, Pedestrian and Streetscape Improvements Project to Walrond Park. The funding request was $7,217,718.
• West Main Street Pedestrian Improvements, Phase 3: This application proposes to complete missing sidewalk segments along both sides of West Main Street between the City of Salem and Technology Drive. The funding request was $7,059,184.
• Williamson Road Sidewalk, Plymouth Drive to Clubhouse Drive: This application proposes extending sidewalk along the west side of Williamson Road from Plymouth Drive to Clubhouse Drive with pedestrian signals and crosswalks at the Clubhouse Drive intersection. The funding request was $6,700,942.
• Pedestrian Crossing Improvements on Route 419 at Postal Drive and Brambleton Avenue: This application proposes to install pedestrian signals, crosswalks and sidewalk at the Route 419 at Brambleton Avenue and Route 419 at Postal Drive intersections. The funding request was $3,944,955.
Technical Assistance Awarded/Requested in 2022:
• National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Technical Assistance for the West Roanoke River Greenway Feasibility Study (awarded and currently underway).
• Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment GAP Technical Assistance for a Roanoke County Pedestrian Master Plan (awards not yet released).
Studies Completed/Underway in 2022
The following studies focus on an issue or problem, identify many different alternatives to potentially address that issue or problem, and then determine recommendations.
Studies Completed:
• Technical Assistance for the CORTRAN Program: County staff have been working with AECOM to review, obtain feedback about, and discuss potential changes for the existing CORTRAN program. The study concluded in February 2022.
• Route 419/Electric Road Study between Keagy Road (north) and Bower Road: A VDOT and OIPI Study with the City of Roanoke, City of Salem and Roanoke County to evaluate existing safety and operational conditions, to consider and evaluate potential safety and operational improvements and to identify fundable and implementable solutions for vehicles, pedestrians and transit. Several study recommendations were submitted for SMART SCALE funding in 2022. The study concluded in Spring 2022.
Route 419 Safety Improvements, Stoneybrook Dr. to Grandin Rd. Ext.
Studies Underway:
• Route 460/Challenger Avenue Land Use and Connectivity Study: Building off of the completed VDOT Route 460 Operational Improvements Study, County staff is working with Timmons Group, VDOT, the City of Roanoke, Botetourt County and the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission to recommend alternative routes to Route 460/Challenger Avenue, to determine potential land use changes in the vicinity of Route 460/Challenger Avenue and to examine existing at-grade railroad crossings for potential improvements that could create development opportunities between the railroad and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The study will conclude in Spring 2023.
• West Roanoke River Greenway Feasibility Study: This study kicked off in Summer 2022 and seeks to build off the 2018 Roanoke Valley Greenway Plan and ongoing VDOT Valley to Valley Trail Study by identifying realistic alignments for this section of the Roanoke River Greenway that can be used for future funding requests. See grant award and community meeting information on Page 4.
Route 460 Study Community Meeting, September 2022
West Roanoke River Greenway Feasibility Study Area
Projects Completed/Underway in 2022
Projects Completed:
• Interstate 81 Widening, Exit 141 to Exit 143. Widening the roadway to six travel lanes. The project will connect to future widening projects. SMART SCALE
• Route 419 Widening, Safety and Multimodal Improvements Ogden Road—Route 220. Constructing a third lane from Ogden Road to the Route 220 south ramp, sidewalk bicycle lanes, pedestrian signals/crosswalks, and a bus shelter. Highway Safety Improvement Project (HSIP), SMART SCALE
• West Main Street Pedestrian Improvements. Construct sidewalk, pedestrian signals and crosswalks between Alleghany Drive and Valley Tech Park. Revenue Sharing, SMART SCALE
• Plantation Road, Phase II. Install sidewalk, curb and gutter from Walrond Drive to Gander Way. Widen Walrond Drive intersection. Install pedestrian signals and crosswalks at Gander Way. SMART SCALE, Locally Administered
• Fallowater Lane Extension. Upgrade the existing private road to public road standards and connect to Chevy Road. Secondary Six Year Plan (SSYP), Revenue Sharing, Locally Administered except for ROW
• Huffman Lane Reconstruction. Reconstructed 0.1 mile of Huffman Lane to VDOT standards and constructed a turnaround. Revenue Sharing
• Williamson Road Sidewalk, Peters Creek Road to North Roanoke Assisted Living. Construct sidewalk along the west side of Williamson Road from Peters Creek Road to North Roanoke Assisted Living with pedestrian signals and crosswalks at the Peters Creek Road/Williamson Road Intersection. HSIP
• Route 311/Route 419 Intersection Safety Improvements. Construct a roundabout to replace the existing traffic signal. SMART SCALE
Projects Underway:
• Interstate 81 Widening, Exit 137 to Exit 141. Widening the roadway to six travel lanes. The project will connect to existing and proposed widening projects. Completion anticipated in 2026. I-81 funding
• Oak Grove Pedestrian Improvements, Route 419/Carriage Lane/Grandin Rd and Keagy Rd at Keagy Village Intersections. Install pedestrian signals and crosswalks at the existing signalized intersection. STBG. HSIP.
Future Projects:
• Williamson Road Sidewalk, from Plantation Road to Peters Creek Road. Construct sidewalk along the north side of Williamson Road between Peters Creek Road and Plantation Road. TA, SMART SCALE
• Starkey Road/Buck Mountain Road Intersection Improvements. Replace the existing “T” intersection with a roundabout with pedestrian accommodations. STBG, Revenue Sharing, SSYIP, SMART SCALE
• Dry Hollow Road Improvements. Phase 1 will reinforce the roadway against the creek. Phase 2 to widen the roadway will take place at a later date. SSYP, Revenue Sharing. McAfee Knob Pedestrian Bridge over Route 311. Constructing a pedestrian bridge over Route 311 for Appalachian Trail users. HSIP.
• Route 419 and Route 220 Diverging Diamond Interchange. Realigning the interchange with a Diverging Diamond configuration to improve traffic flow and safety. STBG, SMART SCALE. 2024.
• Route 220 Signal Improvements. Reduce signal phases and add pedestrian accommodations at four intersections along Route 220 between Valley Avenue/Southern Hills Drive and Indian Grave Road/ Clearbrook Village Lane. Funded by VDOT. This project is anticipated to begin in 2024.
• Williamson Road Sidewalk: North Roanoke Assisted Living to Plymouth Drive Intersection. Sidewalk will be constructed to continue along the west side of Williamson Road from North Roanoke Assisted Living to the intersection with Plymouth Drive. HSIP. This project is anticipated to begin in 2024.
Project Design
Planning staff are frequently asked to assist other departments with important County projects. The list below reflects work completed for several different departments, as well as detailed concept plans submitted as part of grant applications.
2022
Interdepartmental Projects:
• Glade Creek Greenway through Vinyard Park West Preliminary Engineering
• Read Mountain Preserve Trailhead Parking Lot and Access Road from Old Mountain Road (Virginia Outdoors Foundation grant application)
• Community Meeting for the East Roanoke River Greenway Gap Project, Phase 2 (SMART SCALE application)
• Explore Park Pump Track
• Blue Ridge Bike Skills Area, Phase 2 (Recreational Trails Program grant application)
• Rutrough Point Parking Lot Improvements
• Sugarloaf Mountain Conservation Easement Plat
• Happy Hollow Conservation Easement Plat
• Vest Drive Storm Drain Plans
• Denise Circle Storm Drain Plans
• Mount Pleasant Library Sewer Extension Plans
2022
Planning Projects:
• McAfee Knob Trailhead Transit Access Improvements (Shuttle stop, turnaround, restrooms and parking)
• McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Pull-Off along Route 311 Southbound
• Ridge Road Turnaround Plans
East Roanoke River Greenway Gap Project Community Meeting
McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Ribbon Cutting
Planning staff partnered with staff from Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Public Information to organize a ribbon cutting ceremony for the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle which took place on September 1, 2022. The ceremony celebrated the start of shuttle service between the Interstate 81 Exit 140 Park and Ride and the McAfee Knob Trailhead parking lot. Speakers included Supervisor Martha Hooker, Dr. Ray Smoot, Salem District Commonwealth Transportation Board member, Wendy Janssen, Superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and Lisa Sink, Co-Owner of Ride Source. Attendees participated in the inaugural shuttle ride from the Park and Ride to the McAfee Knob Trailhead.
Arbor Day 2022 at Mountain View Elementary School
Planning staff partnered with Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism’s After School for Kids (ASK) participants and Roanoke County Public Schools Facilities & Operations staff at Mountain View Elementary School to celebrate Arbor Day in April 2022. This tree planting event gave Mountain View Elementary School four new shade trees and assisted the County earn its 22nd consecutive Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The ASK participants completed artwork and sang songs related to trees in their community. Planning staff discussed the importance and value of trees in Roanoke County and provided an Arbor Day activity book to all of the ASK participants.
Roanoke County Arbor Day 2022 at MVES
McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Ribbon Cutting
Career & Technical Education Citizen Advisory Committee
Planning staff concluded their work with the CTE Citizen Advisory Committee, whose purpose was to advise the Board of Supervisors and the School Board regarding the size, site and potential incorporation of solar technology relating to the construction of a new career and technical education center for Roanoke County. CTE provides students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners by introducing them to workplace competencies, and making academic content accessible by providing it in a hands-on context. The chosen 31 acre site was purchased by the School Board at 6251 Peters Creek Road in North County.
Conceptual renderings of proposed CTE Center
CTE Committee touring Massanutten Technical Center in Harrisonburg, VA
Paula Benke Recognized by the Board of Supervisors
The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors recognized Paula Benke, Transit Planner, for her exemplary service to Roanoke County on April 26, 2022. In July 2019 Paula was hired as the Program Coordinator for County of Roanoke Transportation (CORTRAN) to manage the demand response transportation program for citizens with physical and mental disabilities and senior adults. Paula was instrumental in designing a new CORTRAN transit program and worked with a new service provider to enhance customer service and scheduling system for program participants. Paula goes above and beyond to ensure that all riders’ needs are met. Paula’s commitment to her programs make a difference every day in many of our citizens’ lives.
Megan Cronise Recognized by the Board of Supervisors
The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors recognized Megan Cronise, Assistant Director of Planning, for her exemplary service to Roanoke County on December 13, 2022. Megan has developed strong, effective working relationships and partnerships with local, regional, and state transportation groups and agencies. She has coordinated and submitted many successful transportation grant applications over the years, including over a $100 million of funded transportation projects. Megan keeps citizens, County departments, and the Board of Supervisors informed on a variety of transportation issues. Megan is a strong and passionate advocate for Roanoke County’s and the region’s transportation system.
Megan Cronise at the Board of Supervisors Meeting
Paula Benke at the Board of Supervisors Meeting
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