Rio Corridor Plan
Rio Corridor Plan
The goal of this project is to develop a community vision and plan that will guide future design and improvements of the Rio Corridor.
A diverse array of people access this corridor; residents of adjacent neighborhoods driving to and from work or shops, bike commuters and those out for a ride, avid runners and casual joggers, kids walking (sometimes skipping) to buy a snack or find adventure, people waiting for the bus, and so many more!
This project moves us to create conversations with you to understand the different ways you use (or wish to use) and experience the Rio Corridor. This information enables us to collaboratively create and implement solutions that not only meet your current needs but have a lasting positive impact on our community.
Over the next year, we will create opportunities to be in conversation with you, to share information with you, and to collaborate with you on what the future of the Rio Corridor might be. It is critical that everyone who walks, drives, rides, bikes, and rolls participate and share in the vision-building with us.
Project Updates
May 6th, 2022
The Planning Commission agenda item was delayed until May 24th at 6 pm. Review the April 26th agenda.
March 18th, 2022
The design concepts for Phase 2 of the Rio Corridor Plan will be a topic of conversation at next week's Places29 Rio Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting. We invite you to join the meeting, listen to the design team present their ideas, and share your feedback during the meeting, or via email with Project Lead David Benish. Phase 2 of the corridor includes the two-lane section from the John W. Warner Parkway to Melbourne Road.
February 18th, 2022
Join us at the Places 29 Rio Community Advisory Committee meeting at 6 pm on Thursday, February 23rd to share your comments and ask questions about the Phase 1 Draft Plan.
February 4th, 2022
The Draft Plan for Phase 1 is now available for review. Please click here to access the draft.
Project Team Contact
Project Lead
David Benish, Development Process Manager
dbenish@albemarle.org
Video Archive
Below you will find our Rio Corridor Plan YouTube Playlist. It features all of the community meetings and recorded events, including CAC meetings when the project was on the agenda.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
How Did We Select the Rio Corridor?
Rio Road serves multiple functions. It is a high-volume arterial road connecting north Albemarle to downtown and provides access to many surrounding neighborhoods. Rio Road also provides alternative transportation options for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. We have also heard concerns from community members about the existing conditions and safety of Rio Road.
What Section of Rio Road Will the Plan Focus On?
The Rio Corridor Plan will focus on the portion of Rio Road that runs from Glenwood Station Lane to the John Warner Parkway. Additionally, an analysis of oncoming traffic and improvements needed will be completed for the area between the John Warner Parkway intersection southward to Pen Park Road.
Most of this section of the road functions as a minor arterial currently carrying up to 29,000 vehicle trips a day. The multiple functions the road serves and its importance to the county and region's transportation network and economy make this section of greater importance than the remainder of Rio Road. Unlike the southern segment of Rio Road east and the portion within the Rio29 Small Area Plan, which have had some level of prior transportation planning, evaluation, and/or project development efforts, this section has not had a similar level of planning and project development.
The study will also inventory recommended improvements for Rio Road from Route 29 to Melbourne Road and identify gaps in transportation facilities along this entire corridor.
Who Will Work on the Plan?
Albemarle County hired Line and Grade to serve as technical transportation design experts for this study. The team at Line and Grade has a wide array of experience in transportation design and transportation planning projects including the Avon Extended Corridor Plan, Colonial Avenue Redevelopment (Roanoke), and the Strasburg Gateway Trail along Route 11. However, this is not solely a technical exercise. The Rio Corridor is an important place for our community that could more effectively promote vibrancy, community connections, recreation, and economic opportunities for all those who use and live along the corridor.
Our Public Engagement Goals
- Inform participants about the project, and the process, and provide background information to prepare everyone to participate fully.
- Create space to share and understand different perspectives, knowledge, and experiences.
- Reduce barriers to participation.
- Learn who we are, and who we are not, reaching and adjust the approach to respond accordingly.
- Create an inviting, enjoyable experience and get lots of folks to participate in the process.
Reference Library
All About Roundabouts - Prepared by IIHS
Virginia Crash Map - VDOT Crash Data