ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va – The interaction of vehicle and truck traffic and the impact of traffic on residents has become a concern in the area just north of the City of Harrisonburg.  This area is bounded by North Valley Pike (Route 11) to the East, Harpine Highway (Route 42) to the West, Gravels and Buttermilk Creek Road to the North and the City of Harrisonburg line to the South.

The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors, partnering with State and local law enforcement and with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), intends to take the following actions to mitigate the adverse impact of traffic in this area.

  1. Enhance enforcement of current speed limits in the area.
  2. Enhance enforcement of commercial vehicle regulations, particularly those that impact vehicle noise.
  3. Encourage commercial operators to emphasize limitation of speed and vehicle noise particularly when driving through residential areas.
  4. Place a temporary “speed notification” sign along Gravels Road.
  5. Evaluate and consider placement of a permanent “speed notification” sign along Gravels Road.  The estimated cost to the County would be $15,000.
  6. The County has commissioned VDOT to analyze existing road capabilities and capacities and identify potential roadway improvements in the area. The study will consider existing zoning and land use as well as future growth and expansion possibilities. This study will evaluate how traffic currently moves through the corridor and explore new points of connectivity that serve to further segregate commercial traffic from more residential areas. This study is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months when the findings will be presented to the Board of Supervisors and the public.

Please direct questions to Stephen King, County Administrator, sking@rockinghamcountyva.gov