HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The City of Harrisonburg is seeking community input on how to address the needs of people who walk and bike along the Chicago Avenue and Waterman Drive corridors.

Harrisonburg Public Works will host an open house focused on a study of the corridor on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Price Rotary Senior Center at 309 S. Dogwood Dr. Community members will have the opportunity to discuss their experiences, thoughts and questions relating to traveling the area.

The study will evaluate the transportation and stormwater needs along Chicago Avenue between Rockingham Drive and Mount Clinton Pike, and along Waterman Drive between West Market Street and Chicago Avenue. Multiple alternatives are being evaluated to address needs for people walking and biking, alongside consideration of improvements on parallel routes used by people walking and biking. Safety and operational improvements at intersections are being evaluated for all roadway users. Drainage and flooding concerns along Waterman Drive are also being evaluated as part of this study.

The study will identify a preferred concept for transportation improvements, for which the City can seek funding for construction. The study also will identify preferred stormwater measures that address existing challenges and work alongside proposed transportation improvements.

“We know there are multiple ways in which the infrastructure on sections of Chicago Avenue and Waterman Drive could be improved,” Harrisonburg Public Works Director Tom Hartman said. “We look forward to hearing the thoughts of those who live or work in the neighborhood, and others who travel on these streets, regarding potential options for improvements.”

Attendees of the open house will have the opportunity to:
• View informational displays
• Speak directly with City staff about current corridor experiences
• Share thoughts about transportation and stormwater infrastructure options along the corridor
• Express thoughts and questions through a public questionnaire that will be available during and after the event

This project is currently in the study phase and funding has not yet been secured for this project. A Chicago Avenue and Waterman Drive Corridors project questionnaire will be available digitally from Oct. 15 to Nov. 12 on the City’s website at www.harrisonburgva.gov/chicago-waterman-corridors-study. The community also may utilize this webpage for project information and updates.

Written or oral questions and comments may be submitted to Brittany Clem-Hott by emailing brittany.clem-hott@harrisonburgva.gov or calling 540-434-5928, before or after the open house.