About the Study

Map of the Norfolk region and road segments for solutions.

Delivering Transportation Solutions to the Region

The HRTPO kicked off the Regional Connectors Study in June 2018 with funding from the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC). The study focuses on Hampton Roads connectivity through the lenses of congestion relief, economic vitality, resiliency, accessibility, and quality of life.

The HRTPO Regional Connectors Study builds upon the work examined in the Hampton Roads Crossing Study (HRCS) Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) including the following segments:

VA 164 widening
I-564 Connector
VA 164 Connector
I-664 Connector
I-664 widening (north of College Drive)

Once complete, the Regional Connectors Study will provide a long-term vision for connectivity improvements between the Peninsula and Southside, with recommendations for segment tiering and further evaluation.

View the segment tiering proposed recommendations to learn more about the study.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Collaboration is Key

A successful regional study requires input and support from all key decision-makers. The HRTPO continues to engage two oversight committees in the study process: the Working Group and Steering Committee. Technical experts from seven area cities, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders, such as the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, Virginia Port Authority, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, Virginia Department of Transportation, and HRTAC comprise the Working Group. Elected officials from the same seven cities, and representatives of other key stakeholder groups comprise the Steering Committee. The HRTPO works with these committees to establish study goals and objectives, and review analytical data, results, and recommendations.

Public Input is Critical

Public input is critical for the Regional Connectors Study to address the diverse transportation challenges of the region’s traveler’s – whether you’re a resident, freight operator, or business owner. The HRTPO needs to learn more from the region’s drivers about day-to-day needs, pain points, and ideas for improvements. The HRTPO encourages public review and feedback as the study progresses. This public engagement includes commenting on proposed projects at community meetings, local information kiosks, and through the comment form on this site.

Study Approach

The Regional Connectors Study includes:

Phase 1 Scope
- Stakeholder interviews
- A regional public survey
- Existing traffic data collection and analysis
Phase 2 Scope
- Scenario planning
- Future traffic projections and analysis

Phase 3 Scope
- Segment evaluation — cost and construction complexity review, permitting challenges, project readiness, congestion relief
- Public meetings
- Regional Connectivity Symposium
- Scenario testing and traffic operational analysis
- Segment tiering

Resources

View Study Milestones

Phase 3 Study Timeline

Phase 3 Study Timeline through December 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the HRTPO completing the Regional Connectors Study?

To complete the appropriate studies, designs, funding analyses, and documentation necessary to determine feasibility, permit-ability, and transportation benefits necessary to advance corridor improvement alternatives.

How is the study being funded?

The study is funded through the Hampton Road Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC).

What is the purpose of the study?

The study will focus Hampton Roads connectivity through the lenses of economic vitality, resiliency, accessibility, and quality of life.

Who is conducting the study?

The HRTPO will lead the study, with collaboration from two regional stakeholder groups – the Working Group and Steering (Policy) Committee. Technical experts from seven area cities, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders, such as the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, Virginia Port Authority, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Army Corps. Of Engineers, Virginia Department of Transportation, and HRTAC comprise the Working Group. Elected officials from the same seven cities comprise the Steering (Policy) Committee.

What geographic areas does the study focus on?

The “Southside” including Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Franklin, Southampton County, and Isle of Wight County. The “Peninsula” including Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, and Williamsburg, as well as James City County and York County.

What are segment tiers?

After evaluation, the segments will be divided into two tiers for further analysis:

Tier I: Segments recommended for HRTPO to evaluate for the 2050 Lange Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

Tier II: Segments recommended for HRTPO to include in the Regional Transportation Vision Plan.

Will any segments be eliminated from consideration?

No, segments are not eliminated from consideration. They will be tiered for further review and future consideration by HRTPO.

Will tolls be increased?

No tolls other than existing toll facilities and future express lanes were considered for any of the alternatives.

How will the outcomes of the study be communicated?

Copies of the study documents are available on the resources page or you can contact us at 757-776-0362.

What happens after the study is complete?

The HRTPO board will vote on the tiered segments. Once approved, Tier 1 segments will be recommended for consideration in the fiscally constrained 2050 HRTPO Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Tier 2 segments will be recommended for inclusion in the 2050 Regional Transportation Vision Plan. Because the LRTP must include projects with available funding identified, not all recommendations are guaranteed inclusion in the final 2050 LRTP.

After the study is complete and projects are selected, when will construction start?

Construction of the segments is subject to inclusion in the fiscally constrained Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and the availability of funding. Once adopted into the LRTP, a funding/construction timetable will be established by HRTAC, in conjunction with HRTPO and VDOT.