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On April 9, 2009, the Board of
Supervisors initiated an amendment to the New Baltimore
Service District Transportation Plan to eliminate the Route
215 Alignment/Interchange Flexibility Area and to amend the
associated descriptive text.
The adopted New Baltimore Service
District Plan (NBSDP) includes an Alignment/Interchange
Flexibility Area for Route 215, shown on NBSDP Figures 3 and
5. This area is commonly referred to as “The Fan.” In
addition, a stated priority in the NBSDP Transportation
Section is to initiate the improvement plan for the Route
215 corridor from Vint Hill to the U.S. 15/29 interchange.
Table 5 of the adopted NBSDP contains a description of this
project that includes making Route 215 a four-lane divided
highway.
NBSDP FIGURE 3 – Transportation Plan
for Buildout (Excerpt)
Alignment/Interchange Flexibility Area
for Route 215 (Shown in Green)
The Fauquier County Transportation Committee was tasked by
the Board of Supervisors in 2008 with making a
recommendation on the alignment of Route 215. After months
of study, the Transportation Committee voted, at its March
25, 2009 meeting, to recommend that Route 215 be retained in
its existing alignment from Prince William County to U.S.
15/29. The committee further recommended:
“While retaining the option of making Route 215 a 4-lane
road on its current alignment, explore retention of Route
215 as a 2-lane primary road, with traffic calming design
alternatives on Route 215 intersections (e.g., roundabout
design at the Route 600/215 intersection) in lieu of the
more conventional turn lane movements and traffic
signalization, historic markers and the designation of the
northernmost section through Buckland Farms as a historic
parkway. (Comment: In the context of the recognized
battlefield area, improvements to facilitate preservation
and public appreciation for Buckland Races battlefield sites
within Fauquier County should be planned.)”
The full report from the Transportation
Committee is included as Attachment 1. Other studies
evaluated by the Transportation Committee, including studies
of traffic, intersection improvements and historic
resources, are referenced in Attachment 1 with links to
their availability on the County website.
Staff has prepared amendments to the
New Baltimore Service District Plan to reflect the changes
recommended by the Transportation Committee. These changes,
contained in the attached Resolution, include:
·
retaining Route 215 on its current alignment;
·
retaining Route 215 as a two lane road for as
long as practicable;
·
considering traffic calming measures;
·
facilitating preservation and public
appreciation of the Buckland Races Battlefield Sites; and
·
preserving the option of making Route 215 a
four lane road.
Planning Commission Summary and
Action of May 28, 2009:
The Planning Commission discussed this
item at its work session. The Planning Commission held a
public hearing on this item. No members of the public
spoke. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended
approval of this Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
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