The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) has begun the update to its Long Range Transportation Plan, TransAction.
It is the Authority’s practice to update TransAction every five years. This current update is significant as it is the first since the implementation of the historic transportation funding bill HB 2313 that provides an estimated $300 million annually in local and regional transportation funding to Northern Virginia.
The update process is expected to last two years and AECOM has been selected as the consultant. When adopted, the TransAction update will provide a multi-modal vision for transportation improvements in Northern Virginia and will be the mechanism through which over $1 billion will be allocated to much needed regional transportation improvements through fiscal years 2018-2023.
This update to TransAction involves a comprehensive approach that identifies and prioritizes regional transportation needs; reviews and analyzes existing plans and projects; analyzes demographic and land use data; identifies new projects; utilizes scenario planning and modeling; and engages public involvement. The update process will involve a high level of public engagement. A comprehensive market research plan will be developed to provide inputs to the TransAction update and seek feedback on the projects included within it.
Marty Nohe, NVTA Chairman and Prince William County Supervisor, commented “This update will allow the Authority to prioritize projects for funding over a long horizon. It will also enable the Authority to continue to work together through regional cooperation to reduce congestion and make Northern Virginia a better place to live, work and visit.”
Authority Projects Advancing
The Authority continues to advance projects included in its FY2014-16 Programs. As of the end of July, the Authority has advanced all 33 of the regional transportation projects funded in its FY2014 Program and 21 of 37 projects in its FY2015-16 Program. To date, two NVTA funded projects have been completed, with five more projects anticipated to be completed by year end. A complete list of monthly project updates is attached.
The NVTA was created by the General Assembly on July 1, 2002, to offer a common voice for Northern Virginia on transportation issues confronting the region. The Authority is made up of nine jurisdictions including: the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William; as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park. The Authority is responsible for updating Northern Virginia’s long-range transportation plan, TransAction, and since 2014 manages approximately $300 million annually in public funds for transportation projects designed to provide congestion relief throughout Northern Virginia. For more information visit www.thenovaauthority.org.
