Economic Development: Lovingston-Route 29 Safety Study Results

Lovingston-Route 29 Safety Study Results

This study was conducted by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, with funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation

Lovingston Safety Study
November 18, 2004 Workshop Results

Comments
   No Double Stacking signs ignored
   Reduce speeds- Flashing 45 mph sign
   Hash marks
   Signal not a good idea
   Bus turnaround just north of Lovingston
   Woods Mill intersection not great
   Turn lane too short (trucks speeding)
   Food Lion intersection median not very bigùbuses, trucks, etc. hangout
   Tall cars block views
   Repaving needed on Brookside Ln and Ridge St
   Missing culvert/bridge (private) at Theatre Dr and Tanbark Plaza
   Slope at Food Lion icy/slippery
   Repaving needed on Tanbark Plaza
   Many pedestrian crossings at Main St and Route 29
   Flooding problem on Main St at Dollar General entrance
   Trail east of Route 29 along creek
   Narrow, hills in courthouse area
   Sidewalk improvements along Main St from Route 29 to Court St
   Sidewalk improvements on Ridge Ln west of Route 29
   Sidewalk improvements on Front St from Route 29 to Lovingston Health Care Center entrance
   Repaving needed on Callohill Dr at Route 29 intersection
   Extend Callohill Dr north to Lovingston Ridge Apartments
   Hard to cross Route 29 at Callohill Dr
   U-turn south of Route 29 at Callohill Dr

Lovingston Safety Study/Lovingston Revitalization Project
May 31, 2005 Workshop Results

Participants in groups at two public involvement workshops identified a series of priority issues for the Lovingston area. These issues are summarized under the headings of Transportation, Town Character and Livable Streets, and Parks and Recreation.

Transportation
Transportation concerns included general and specific safety problems for the area immediate to Route 29 as well as the need for more defined pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Specific comments included:

   Creating safe intersections (especially 29/1001 and 29/Callohill) without stoplights and reducing the amount of truck traffic through the core of Lovingston
   Extending turn lanes and deceleration lanes on Route 29 while improving pedestrian crossings
   Developing parallel side roads west of Route 29 with eventual access to the high school
   Implementing bike routes, both on road and separated trails, that are tied to parks
   Working with VDOT to include all Lovingston streets in the VDOT road system
   Improving the connection between the east and west sides of Route 29
   Completing the pedestrian network in the village without creating an ostentatious street scene

Town Character and Livable Streets
Several comments focused on the need to establish, promote and maintain the town/village character of Lovingston. Observations ranged from fostering street life to maintaining the historic assets that make Lovingston a unique and enjoyable area. These comments included:

   Keeping the courthouse complex and enhancing it as a central feature for the village
   Restoring and/or renovating key historic buildings
   Increasing the diversity of activity in the village
   Encouraging affordable housing infill developments (medium income and minimum wage rentals)
   Creating livable streets by improving building facades, ensuring quality pedestrian amenities and reducing traffic speed in the core area
   Permitting higher density west of Route 29 south of Lovingston Ridge Apartments and lower density north of the apartments
   Improving signage style, location and visibility to enhance safety and town character

Parks and Recreation
Several comments conveyed the importance of establishing parks and recreation amenities and protecting the rural character of the countryside surrounding the Lovingston area. Particular comments included:

   Creating park and recreation opportunities, including those that cater to children and senior citizens
   Protecting the wooded area behind Lovingston from new development
   Creating a greenway system throughout the village with pathways connecting parks to residential areas
   Establishing a park in the northeast of the Route 29 and Main St intersection
   Constructing a ball park between the Dollar General and Lovingston Health Care Center

Other issues discussed included improving regional bus service to Richmond, Charlottesville and Wintergreen, connecting the village with the Nelson Center and Nelson County High School, and creating a central gathering place for the citizens of Lovingston.