Current Studies

The HRMPO Small Area Study (SAS) Program identifies regional transportation issues and develops fundable solutions to advance the goals of the MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and local Comprehensive and Economic Development Plans. Short-Range planning activities for the HRMPO include maintenance of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and small area or corridor studies to advance projects to the project application and programming stage.

This task allows HRMPO staff or consultants to perform corridor, interchange, or intersection planning studies to prepare projects for advancement to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP) and Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) or towards construction funded by other means.

The studies often examine transportation issues related to vehicular traffic; however, active transportation modes and transit will also be incorporated into all studies. These studies also may include opportunities to examine the potential for economic development and show commitment to infrastructure improvements.

Current Study – North Mason Street Corridor Study in Harrisonburg

At the request of the City of Harrisonburg, the HRMPO is conducting a study in the North Mason Street area to complement the City’s recently completed North Mason Street Demonstration Project. In November, MPO and City staff developed a Scope of Work and procured VHB to develop the study. The study team includes staff from the MPO, City, and VDOT, and the team held a kick-off meeting on December 4 to outline the study process.

VHB is currently working with the City on existing conditions analysis, traffic forecasting, and future no-build conditions analysis. In January, VHB will work on concept designs and build analysis, and in late February the study team will hold a public meeting to share the proposed alternates with the public and collect input to inform the identification of the preferred alternative. The City intends to use the study recommendations to inform a Smart Scale pre-application in spring 2026. The full study will be complete by the end of FY26.

Harrisonburg completed a month-long Complete Street Demonstration Project on North Mason Street in July 2025. The project, which is part of the City’s larger effort to revitalize the Northeast Neighborhood, temporarily reconfigured the corridor between East Market Street and North Main Street by shifting all traffic to the two eastern lanes, installing temporary roundabouts at the Gay Street and Elizabeth Street intersections, creating shorter pedestrian crossing distances, and opening the western lanes for walking and biking. The MPO study will help refine these concepts and develop recommendations to support the City’s Smart Scale application.