Richmond Strategic Multimodal Transportation Plan
What is Richmond Connects?
Richmond Connects is the brand name for the Richmond Strategic Multimodal Transportation Plan. This planning process is a study that will update, revise and re-invent the transportation plan for the City of Richmond. The scope of work for the study includes the following elements (with the status of completion noted):
- Analysis of existing conditions for all modes of transportation (Complete)
- Projection of future conditions in the City (Complete)
- Development of a vision statement for transportation, as well as guiding principles (Complete)
- Identification of multimodal transportation improvements (In Progress)
- Screening of improvements based on their performance in promoting the vision and guiding principles identified in the study (In Progress)
- Extensive stakeholder coordination with an Advisory Committee throughout the planning process (Continuing)
- Collaborative public involvement with citizens, stakeholders, and community groups (Continuing)
We Need Your Input
The Richmond Connects team has developed a Vision Statement and Guiding Principles for the plan. The team has also completed existing conditions analysis and analysis of projected future conditions.
All of these elements are now guiding the development of recommended projects, policies and plans for inclusion in the final plan. To help prioritize and focus on those areas you find most important,
the team needs to know which principles you think are most important to building a better Richmond. In the Sliderocket presentation below, please find an explanation of the principles and how success
in meeting those principles will be measured. At the end of the presentation you can complete a survey to tell us how important each principle is to you. Each recommended project, policy or plan will be graded on how well
it meets each guiding principle. Your rankings will help guide the team in determining which projects, policies or plans are the highest priorities.
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If you cannot see the embedded version of the presentation above, please go to the presentation here.
Visioning
The Richmond Connects team completed the visioning process for the plan in the fall of 2011. The consultant team
engaged the Richmond Connects Advisory Committee the public, through the May Workshop (see below), and
City staff in visioning exercises to develop a new vision for transportation in Richmond. You can read a synopsis
of the visioning process and the draft vision statements developed here.
If you have any comments on the draft vision statements or the visioning process, please let us know by providing
comments or other feedback to Richmond Connects.
The draft State of Transportation Report is also available public review. Please see the sections below.
We want to hear your thoughts on transportation in Richmond. What are some of the issues you face with transportation in
Richmond? Are there any other major issues that need to be addressed? Let us know by providing comments or other feedback
to Richmond Connects.
Public Workshop (May 2011)
The City of Richmond, as part of the Richmond Strategic Multimodal Transportation Plan, known as Richmond Connects, held a Public Workshop
on Tuesday May 17th from 5-8pm at the Carillon at Byrd Park, 1300 Blanton Avenue. You can review all the materials presented including the planning process summary handout ,existing conditions analysis summary,
the Complete Streets review, and the vision statements developed.
Richmond Connects Focus Areas
The City will use the following five focus areas in analyzing the transportation system and recommending new improvements, policies and initiatives.
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Implementing Efficient Roadways:
A majority of commuters and most trips in Richmond take place by car and this plan will include addressing how to maintain efficient roadways within a balanced multimodal transportation system.
Photographer - Tom Saunders, VDOT
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Expanding Transit Usage:
Improving and expanding transit is a key aspect of creating a multimodal transit system.
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Making Space for Bicycles and Pedestrians:
Expanding on the work of the Mayor's Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Commission, Richmond Connects will analyze bicycle and pedestrian needs and recommend a improvements to better integrate both modes into the larger transportation system.
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Improving Regional Multimodal Access:
Connections to key multimodal regional assests like Main Street Station and the Port are critical to economic development and will be addressed by Richmond Connects.
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Linking Land Use and Transportation:
Recognizing the role land use plays in transportation demand and the potential for alternative transportation options, Richmond Connects will analyze and recommend ways land use can further the transportation goals of the city.
Timeline
The Richmond Connects planning process now in the prioritization stage and a draft plan is anticipated for completion by Summer 2012. At the end of this process, Richmond will have a draft and then a final plan that considers all of the input received throughout the planning process, as well as costs and benefits of specific transportation projects and investments upon which to build the future of transportation in the City.
Roles of Participating Groups
Richmond Connects Advisory Committee
Our Advisory Committee includes not only transportation planning experts from all modes of transportation in the City, but also representatives from the local universities, development experts, housing officials, and regional representatives. The Advisory Committee meets regularly, providing the city and study team with thoughtful and informed guidance, input and feedback throughout the planning process. Additionally, the Advisory Committee members will help to encourage others to become involved in the process by engaging members of their constiuent groups.
Community at Large
All residents, business owners, students, and everyone who works in Richmond have a perspective on transportation and we want to hear from you. We want to ensure that this plan is developed using your comments and suggestions. We’ll be using this website, public workshops, visioning exercises, social media, presentations to community groups, and drop-in sessions where interested citizens can learn about the transportation planning process and provide their input and have the opportunity to participate in the development of Richmond Connects. It is important that Richmond’s entire community is engaged in the transportation planning process.
The Richmond Connects process is a chance for you to tell us what would make connecting your home, work, shopping, and recreation better. How do you envision Richmond's transportation system in the future? What changes do you want to see?
Contact Us
Please send all questions, ideas, or feedback you’d like to share regarding the Strategic Multimodal Transportation Plan and process to Richmond Connects.
