HRT seeks public input on Chesapeake high-capacity transit alignments

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Hampton Roads Transit and the city of Chesapeake seek feedback on 16 conceptual alignment alternatives for high-capacity transit connecting activity centers in the city and to the greater Hampton Roads area.

They will have a number of popup events and a Facebook livestream to give the public an opportunity to view and provide feedback.

A study that kicked off in summer 2023 — Connecting Chesapeake: A Study of High-Capacity — is evaluating the need for high-capacity transit service, seeking to ID and screen potential corridors and determine best alternatives to help the city’s economy, align with future growth plans and improve connectivity to regional transportation networks.

High-capacity transit usually travels in its own lane or right-of-way, and vehicles can include technologies that prioritize transit to improve mobility and operations.

“Throughout this project we’ve heard from the public that high-capacity transit would benefit the overall Chesapeake community,” said Sherri Dawson, HRT director of transit development, in a statement. “It’s important that we hear from the community on the options and how they might be used.”

HRT has met with small groups, area businesses and others to get feedback, and it will take that to refine options, taking in cost, potential ridership, high-capacity transit mode, and impacts to adjacent properties and traffic.

Popup events include:

  • Thursday, April 18 — 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Cuffee Community Center, 2019 Windy Road, Served by HRT Bus Route 13

  • Friday, April 19 — 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Robert Hall Transfer Center, Robert Hall and Military Highway, Served by HRT Bus Routes 6, 13, 14, 15, 24 and 57

  • Tuesday, April 23 — 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Summit Pointe, 555 Belair Ave., Served by HRT Bus Routes 13 and 24

  • Wednesday, April 24 — 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Southside BBQ, 1113 Poindexter St., Served by HRT Bus Route 58

  • Saturday, April 27 — 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Celebrate Trails Day Event, Newtown Road Station, 5601 Curlew Drive, Served by HRT Bus Routes 20, 22, 25, 27, 960

  • Wednesday, May 1 — 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Greenbrier Library, 1214 Volvo Pkwy., Served by HRT Bus Route 24

  • Thursday, April 25 — 6:30 to 7 p.m., Facebook Livestream.

Follow HRT on Facebook at facebook.com/hrtfan

The public can also view the proposed alignments and share feedback online at www.connectingchesapeake.com.

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