HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)’s survey asking for feedback as they consider improvements to Port Republic Road in Harrisonburg has been extended until May 12.

The online survey opened on Tuesday, April 16, through April 30 and was originally planned to close on April 30. This is part of a study VDOT is conducting along with the City of Harrisonburg and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

VDOT District Planner Brad Reed told Rocktown Now how the public plays a role in planning those improvements.

“There are a lot of challenges in the corridor and funding isn’t there to just replace everything,” Reed said. “So, we have to be relatively targeted with the types of things that are recommended and help define things that fit the bill to fix the problem, make the roads safer, make it more efficient while also being very efficient with taxpayer dollars.”

The study will focus on several locations along the roadway, including the I-81 Exit 245 southbound off-ramp and the intersection of Port Republic Road and Forest Hill Road. The agency is hoping to identify ways to improve safety and operations through targeted project recommendations.

The study will also review multimodal accessibility, including bicycle, pedestrian, and transit access. Solutions will be identified that may be incorporated with proposed projects or as standalone efforts.

The survey is available in multiple languages at Port Republic Road Study – City of Harrisonburg (ST-23-06) – PublicInput.

Residents and travelers to learn more about this study by visiting ST-23-06 | VA Project Pipeline (virginia.gov). Comments can also be sent to brad.reed@vdot.virginia.gov or Brad Reed, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA 24401-9029.