Completed Projects
FY 2008 Technical Assistance Program
In February 2008, the TPB approved eleven technical assistance projects for the FY 2008 round of the TLC Program. The TPB anticipated funding six projects in FY 2008 - two each from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Due to the large number of Maryland project submissions, the Maryland Department of Transportation agreed to make available $100,000 in funds from Maryland's Technical Assistance account in the TPB's Unified Planning Work Program.
VDOT Multimodal Grant Program
The TPB was able to complete additional technical assistance projects in Virginia due to funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Multimodal Grant Program. The TPB received the grant from VDOT in October 2007 and projects were completed by the summer of 2008.
FY 2007 Pilot Phase
In March 2007, the TPB approved five technical assistance projects for the FY 2007 pilot round of the TLC Program. These projects dealt with a number of issues, such as pedestrian safety, urban roadway design standards, traffic flow near transit stations and forthcoming changes under the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closures) program.
FY 2008 Technical Assistance Program
The TPB approved in February 2008 eleven technical assistance projects for the FY 2008 round of the TLC Program. The TPB anticipated funding six projects in FY 2008 - two each from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Due to the large number of Maryland project submissions, the Maryland Department of Transportation agreed to make available $100,000 in funds from Maryland's Technical Assistance account in the TPB's Unified Planning Work Program. All eleven projects are expected to be completed by June 30, 2008. The projects include the following:
- District of Columbia: Multimodal Takoma!
- District of Columbia: Performance-based Parking Pilot Program
- City of Bowie, MD: Community Charrette on Pedestrian Trail Feasibility
- City of Frederick, MD: East Street Crossing Options at Carroll Creek
- City of Frederick / Frederick County, MD: Fort Detrick Area Transit and Non-motorized Transportation Access Study
- City of Greenbelt, MD: Maximizing Transit Opportunities in Greenbelt
- Montgomery County / Bethesda Urban Partnership, MD: Bethesda Circulator
- Prince George's County, MD: Landover Metro Station Area Study
- Prince George's County, MD: Prince George's Plaza
- Arlington County, VA: Process Improvements for Approving Parking in New Developments
- Prince William County, VA: Revitalizing Yorkshire
We are in the process of uploading new project information. Please check back often.
District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Office of Planning applied to the TLC Program for technical assistance to develop a scorecard that assesses the Takoma neighborhood’s accessibility to various modes of transportation. The Office of Planning identified a need for this type of assessment due to new land use and demographic trends that are changing the way people get around in Takoma. Because the area is anchored with a Metro station, it must be able to accommodate all users.
The consultant noted that walking, bicycling, and transit are often overlooked when it comes to planning because of the emphasis on measuring vehicle level of service (LOS). The consultant reviewed several measures of LOS and safety for pedestrians, bicycles, and transit. The study summarized the existing conditions in the area, recommended neighborhood and facility improvements to accommodate each user group, and assessed the LOS for each user group.
The report analyzed roadway facilities based on their LOS and safety index in a scorecard format for 14 intersections and roadways segments in the neighborhood. It also included suggested improvements to improve the bicycle, pedestrian, and transit LOS and/or safety index.
Please follow the link below to review the final report and scorecard element developed for this project.
Multimodal Takoma! Creating a Tool to Assess Multimodal Access Surrounding the Takoma Metro (4.5 MB)
VDOT Multimodal Grant Program Projects
Following the completion of the TLC's pilot phase in July of 2007, the TPB in September 2007 received a grant through the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Multimodal Grant Program to fund five additional technical assistance projects in Virginia:
- City of Alexandria: A Review of the Transportation Management Plan Program
- Fairfax County: A Review of Past Land-Use and Transportation Projects
- City of Falls Church: South Washington Street Corridor Planning
- Town of Leesburg: An Analysis of Bus Rapid Transit for Leesburg
- City of Manassas Park: City Core Planning and Development
The TPB received applications for these five projects during the TLC Program’s pilot phase, but they could not be pursued at that time due to funding constraints. The TPB is pleased to have the opportunity to implement these projects through the VDOT Multimodal Grant Program.
City of Alexandria: Review of the Transportation Management Plan Program
The City of Alexandria requested consultant services to review their Transportation Management Plan (TMP) Program, which was designed to increase multimodal transportation use around dense development. The consultant reviewed best practices on TMP programs around the country, including the Arlington County Site Plan Review Process. Additionally, the consultant interviewed staff, stakeholders, and residents involved in different aspects of the TMP Program. These interviews helped the consultants develop recommendations that met the different needs of those involved in the TMP program.
The consultant provided the City with recommendations for improving the policy framework and implementation of the TMP Program. Recommendations include policy goals and objectives to include reduced VMT and the many benefits tied to the current official goal of reducing VMT and peak congestion conditions. The consultant also recommended a new process for structuring the TMP program and encouraged the City to facilitate TMP consolidation by offering various TMP models and options to better fit the variety of affected developments. The consultant recommended that the City shift from its current focus on program processes (setting funding levels, ensuring compliance with surveying and investment requirements at each TMP) to mandating outcomes (setting broad performance targets on the District/TMA level).
Please follow the link below to review the final report developed for this project.
City of Alexandria Transportation Management Plan Special Use Permit Program Review
Fairfax County: A Review of Past Land-Use and Transportation Projects
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation applied to the TLC Program for technical assistance to assess the accuracy of projected transportation impacts caused by new developments in the county. The consultant compared projected traffic rates and volumes from before the construction of the development with measurements taken on-site after completion of the development.
The consultant reviewed three developments in Fairfax County: Marlo Chantilly, JPI at Edsall and I-395, and Springfield Metro Center. These case studies looked at the number of proposed units, number of constructed units, square footage of retail (proposed and constructed), and the trips generated during a peak travel period.
The consultant suggested alternative trip generation prediction methods for future developments containing retail. Residential trip generation rates were found to be accurate; however, trip reduction factors for transit and HOV modes will need to be made on a case by case basis. The study found that the estimates for level of service (LOS) for vehicles at off-site intersections proved to be accurate. The report also recommended that HOV and transit trip reduction factors be applied based on site-specific locations.
Please follow the link below to review the final report for this project.
A Look Back at Rezoning Cases to Compare Projected and Actual Transportation Impacts
City of Falls Church: South Washington Street Corridor Planning
The City of Falls Church applied for technical assistance to study potential improvements that will facilitate the transformation of South Washington Street into a walkable, mixed-use corridor. The study reviewed ways to improve the pedestrian experience along Washington Street as a major component of increasing livability and encouraging desired land-use changes.
The consultant created a report listing the impediments to pedestrian mobility in the corridor and recommended a series of potential improvements to Washington Street. Based on the city’s Long Term Vision, the report outlines short- and long-term objectives which can be achieved as steps to fulfilling the Vision. These recommendations include potential new traffic signal locations, intersection realignments, and other forms of traffic calming.
The consultant highlighted one problem spot along the corridor at the intersection of Washington Street and Maple Street. The intersection’s oblique angle exposes pedestrians and encourages drivers to travel through the intersection without slowing. The proposed fix involves creating a different orientation for the intersection and closing the eastbound approach.
The report includes cost estimates and a general timeframe for the implementation of the recommendations. The policies and physical changes that are proposed in the report should help further Falls Church’s vision, notably its objective to make the city “built on a human scale.”
Please follow the link below to review the final report and short- and long-term recommendations for this project:
City of Falls Church South Washington Street Corridor Study (3 MB)
Short Term Recommendations ( One / Two )
Town of Leesburg: An Analysis of Bus Rapid Transit for Leesburg
The Town of Leesburg applied to the TLC Program for technical assistance to study the concept of constructing bus rapid transit (BRT) to connect the town to the end of the proposed Washington Metro Silver Line. The Silver Line will run from Downtown Washington to Dulles International Airport and southern Loudoun County. The study reviewed land-use, traffic patterns, and existing transit use to determine potential alignments and station locations within the corridor.
The study considered the feasibility of constructing the BRT line to Leesburg and provides an introduction into the issues facing this corridor. The report addresses certain issues which may be a barrier to project feasibility as well as assets along the corridor that support this type of transit project. The report also reviews case studies in the region, including Richmond Highway Express (REX) and the proposed Potomac Yards BRT. In these examples, the report describes the flexibility of BRT to work in different situations and contexts.
The report includes maps with potential station locations and adjacent land uses. It also discusses possible alignments and operating patterns, as well as different potential approaches to facilitating transit movement through the corridor. The consultant analyzed potential operating costs and capital expenditures required to make the project a reality. In conclusion, the consultant found that the Leesburg BRT is a feasible option along the Dulles Greenway Corridor for the future.
Please follow the link below to review the final report for this project:
Town of Leesburg: Leesburg - Dulles Greenway BRT Feasibility (5.3 MB)
City of Manassas Park: City Core Planning and Development
The City of Manassas Park applied for technical assistance to create a vision for a livable, walkable, mixed-use city center focused on the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) mass transit systems. 
The city wanted to integrate mixed-use, transit-oriented development into their planning efforts, but as a small jurisdiction with limited resources, planning a livable community stretched their abilities.
The consultant focused on three development principles in the vision for Manassas Park: corridor, town center, and node.
The consultant offered ten “main street” corridor recommendations for Manassas Drive, including consistency of street trees, increased sidewalk widths, curb cuts dimensions, and suggested building setback requirements. Each of these recommendations accommodates vehicular transportation, while creating a pedestrian-friendly environment and a sense of place.
The town center development principle focuses on development around Park Center and the Manassas Park City Hall. The consultant proposed creating a grid network of streets to enhance pedestrian activity and movement, as well as maximize the use of land in proximity to the Manassas Park VRE Station.
The consultant recommended creating “nodes” at key intersections: Manassas Drive and Centreville Road (Route 28), Manassas Drive and Euclid Street, and Manassas Drive and Signal View Road. The eastern and western nodes will serve as gateways to Manassas Park. The central node at Euclid Street would serve to compliment the “main street” corridor recommendation above. Nodes draw pedestrian activity and provide an active community gathering place.
Please follow the links below to review the consultant presentation and final vision for this project:
City of Manassas Park Consultant Presentation: Traditional Neighborhood Design Principles
City of Manassas Park Strategic Action Plan
FY 2007 Pilot Phase
The TPB approved 5 location-specific projects to be funded as part of the pilot TLC Technical Assistance Program, as well as an additional public presentation project intended to have region-wide application. These projects dealt with a number of issues, such as pedestrian safety, urban roadway design standards, traffic flow near transit stations and forthcoming changes under the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closures) program. The completed projects include the following:
- District of Columbia, Potomac Avenue Metro Station Area Scoping
- Montgomery / Prince George's Counties, Langley Park / Takoma Park Pedestrian Study
- St. Charles Urbanized Area, Urban Roads Standards
- Fairfax County, Levels of Service around Transit Oriented Development
- Prince William County, Scoping Assistance for BRAC Impacts
District of Columbia
Potomac Avenue Metro Station Area Scoping Study
The District of Columbia applied through the Office of Planning for technical assistance in developing a scope of work for a Neighborhood Plan that will build on previous planning efforts around the Potomac Avenue Metro Station. This scope of work combines agency stakeholder and public input in setting realistic goals and objectives for future planning efforts in this neighborhood. This scope of work builds upon previous efforts from a Community Charrette that was part of the 2004 American Planning Association’s Convention in Washington, DC. They addressed pedestrian and transit enhancements, as well as improvements to the public space surrounding the station and along Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Potomac Avenue, SE. This project will address infill development in an urban environment, particularly with respect to the revitalization of public space surrounding the station. It is believed that the pedestrian experience will be enhanced, which will in turn attract commercial development to the area.
May 15, 2007: the Kickoff Meeting was held to review existing and pending plans and projects for this area. Representatives from the Office of Planning (OP); the District Department of Transportation (DDOT); the selected consultant, ICF International; and TPB staff participated in this meeting.
May 24, 2007: a meeting with agency stakeholders was conducted to identify key projects and investments in the study area for each participating agencies. Present at this meeting were representatives from the OP, DDOT, the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), the National Park Service (NPS), the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation (AWC), and staff from ICF and TPB. The consultant team narrowed the discussion and scope of the study to four key issues
- Economic development that is both tailored to the needs of existing residents and destination-oriented;
- Identification of under-utilized sites and potential for future availability of these sites, and the determination of neighborhood appropriate uses for the sites;
- Increasing recreational uses within the neighborhood; and
- The improvement of way-finding throughout the neighborhood.
June 18, 2007: a public meeting was held to present the study objectives to interested community stakeholders and gain their feedback on the issues identified by agency representatives, as well as listen to community concerns about other issues in the study area. The challenges identified by the community were incorporated into the scope of work developed by the consultant.
One of the major benefits of the Potomac Avenue Metro Station scoping process was to convene community and agency stakeholders to discuss challenges around the study area, and current and planned initiatives. This input will provide the Office of Planning with a stable platform upon which to further the Revitalization Strategy developed through this scoping process.
Please follow the link below to review the scope of work developed for this project:
Potomac Avenue Revitalization Strategy: Draft Statement of Work
Maryland
Montgomery / Prince George's Counties, Langley Park / Takoma Park Pedestrian Safety and Mobility Study
This study was a joint effort between Montgomery and Prince George's Counties
, implemented through the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). M-NCPPC staff identified the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) and University Boulevard (MD 193) as a high pedestrian fatality area in the most diverse community in both Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. The study, which was developed in consultation with stakeholders from the communities, cities, counties and state, presents findings and recommendations that enhance pedestrian safety and mobility patterns in the context of the future Purple Line transit station at the intersection. The study will support planning efforts for the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan. The goal of the Crossroads Plan is to produce a joint bi-county plan that will enhance the unique character of this diverse, multi-cultural community and implement both counties’ existing General Plan recommendations for mixed-use, pedestrian- and transit-oriented development opportunities in support of a proposed Purple Line transit station.
May 8, 2007: M-NCPPC hosted an informational meeting on May 8, 2007, to discuss the scope of the study, identify key agency stakeholders, and develop a schedule for study completion. Attendees included representatives from MDOT, MTA, SHA, M-NCPPC Prince George’s County, M-NCPPC Montgomery County, the City of Takoma Park, the consultants, and TPB staff.
May 21, 2007: The Kickoff Meeting was held on May 21, 2007, and included representation from all the key local and state stakeholder agencies. They discussed improvements that the state is currently planning or constructing, and opportunities for short- and long-term improvements that might be recommended within the context of the upcoming sector plan and the future Purple Line transit facility.
June 19, 2007: The project’s final presentation was held on June 19, 2007. Representatives from Toole provided a brief overview of the pedestrian conditions around the intersection of MD 193 and MD 650. They reviewed potential short-, mid-, and long-term educational programs and infrastructural improvements that could improve pedestrian and bicycle safety within and around this intersection. Representatives from MDOT, MTA, SHA, M-NCPPC Prince George’s County, M-NCPPC Montgomery County, and the City of Takoma Park commented on the consultant recommendations. Staff from M-NCPPC briefed those present on the future of the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan.
The final report contains an examination of existing pedestrian facilities, gaps in service for pedestrians, proposed short- and long-term pedestrian improvements that take into consideration the proposed Purple Line Metrorail Station, and general recommendations that will serve to inform the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan. An important outcome of this planning effort was to convene stakeholders from agencies involved with operations and planning around this intersection. The dialogue that contributed to the final report will inform planning efforts as the Sector Plan moves forward. This project is representative of inner suburban challenges in a diverse area and the results serve to inform other jurisdictions challenged by similar issues.
Please follow the link below to review the study developed for this project:
Takoma/Langley Crossroads Pedestrian Access and Mobility Study
St. Charles Urbanized Area, Development of Urban Roads Standards
Charles County requested technical assistance for the development of urban roads standards for the Bryans Road Town Center and the Waldorf Sub-Area in the St. Charles Urbanized Area. The County vision for these communities includes denser, walkable communities with a mix of residential, commercial, and community amenities. The missing link in the transformation for these areas was the creation of a complete urban road network that increases connectivity for motorists, integrates transit, and is accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. The County’s current road standards do not allow the flexibility to implement the type of road and streetscape design needed to transform these areas into compact, pedestrian-friendly areas. This technical assistance provided County staff with functional and thoroughfare type classifications for both existing and proposed roads in the St. Charles Urbanized Area according to context-sensitive design principles.
May 9, 2007: the initial project meeting was held at the Charles County Government Center. Present at this meeting were County staff from the facilities, public works, transportation, and planning offices, VHB staff and TPB staff. Discussion at this meeting focused on general roadway classifications and design standards currently included in the County’s road standards. County staff discussed the need to balance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists with the movements of emergency service vehicles and capacity on MD 301 in Waldorf.
May 30, 2007: a second meeting was held between Charles County staff and VHB staff to review examples of design standards and functional classifications that VHB collected for County staff.
June 28, 2007: at the final meeting, County staff and VHB reviewed the urban development classifications table developed by the consultants. The roadway designs and standards for the sub-areas include one-way streets and urban minor arterial roads, both with on-street parking; urban major arterial roads; and several examples of enhanced bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. These classifications will be incorporated into the County Road Ordinance and Design Specifications materials. These additional classifications are crucial to the implementation of the urban development zone created in the County Zoning Ordinance.
The technical assistance for the Charles County project produced an urban roadway classifications table and intersection plan figures that will be applied to future development in the recently rezoned urban districts of the St. Charles Urbanized Area. The consultant drew from existing examples of model developments in other jurisdictions in the region; a mixed-use development in Arlington is pictured at right, demonstrating the successful implementation of the types of standards Charles County hopes to incorporate in the St. Charles Urbanized Area.
The consultant saw the value in reviewing successful classifications in neighboring jurisdictions to which County staff could relate. This project serves as an example for other outer jurisdictions wishing to promote similar development in their communities.
Please follow the links below to review the urban roadway classifications and plan figures developed for this project:
Summary of Design Criteria - Designated Urban Areas
Virginia
Fairfax County, Levels of Service around Transit Oriented Development
Fairfax County recently amended its Comprehensive Plan to incorporate a locally recognized definition of transit-oriented development, which is to be a key component of the County’s growth management strategy. One of the issues that was to be addressed in that strategy is the acceptable level of vehicular congestion within and around transit station areas. The existing County policy describes qualitatively how different modes of transportation should perform in a transit station area, but the challenge is to develop a mechanism to implement this policy guidance. This project investigated how this particular issue has been addressed by other jurisdictions around the country and this region, and based on the available literature and best practices how to define how vehicular congestion should be addressed within and adjacent to transit-oriented development.
A project initiation meeting between the consultant team, TPB staff, and Fairfax County transportation and land use planning staff was held at the Fairfax County Government Center on May 4, 2007, at which the direction of research and end product development was further defined.
The consultant conducted a review of best practices in the areas of transit-oriented development and multimodal level of service, addressing these key questions:
- What qualitative and quantitative performance/service measures are being used for various modes?
- What are the proper standards or levels of service for each mode for planning purposes?
- How do these standards differ for different contexts or station areas?
- Are there multimodal approaches that combine these measures for planning purposes that permit examination of tradeoffs in service levels between modes?
- How are these measures and approaches used in the planning process?
The consultant developed recommendations for an approach for Fairfax County in the form of a technical report, including proposed options for level of service standards for vehicular traffic on various facilities within transit station environments in the County. This report can serve as an example and rich resource for other communities that are attempting to balance vehicular movements with transit and pedestrian access.
Please follow the link below to review the report developed for this project:
Automobile Level of Service in Transit Station Areas: A Survey of Current Practice
Prince William County, Scoping assistance to address BRAC Impacts
Prince William County applied for scoping assistance for a federally-funded planning study to evaluate and address land use and transportation impacts of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision in the county’s Potomac Communities area, which is located between the Marine Corps Base at Quantico and Fort Belvoir. Both installations will experience a significant increase in staff as a result of BRAC. Assistance from the TLC Program was used to examine issues such as which commuter corridors should be studied, where land use changes might be most effective, and how additional transportation alternatives should be incorporated into the Potomac Communities. Ideally, the federally-funded study will provide recommendations for the update of the Potomac Communities Revitalization Plan and changes in land use and transportation in this area to accommodate increased traffic from BRAC implementation.
The Kickoff Meeting was held on May 15, 2007, and was attended by Prince William County staff, representatives from ATCS, and TPB staff. County staff reviewed the consultant proposal and described current and anticipated future conditions with the Potomac Communities.
A second meeting was held on June 14, 2007, to discuss a draft outline for the scope of work. Staff from ATCS, Prince William County and the TPB participated in this meeting. County staff emphasized the need for the scope of work to discuss three scenarios: the present state of transportation and land-use in the Potomac Communities, the present state of transportation and land-use in the Potomac Communities with the anticipated BRAC changes, and recommended improvements to transportation and land-use that accommodated BRAC changes in the Potomac Communities. County staff also discussed the hierarchy of study areas that need to be incorporated in the scope of work, namely the broad area between Fort Belvoir and Quantico, each of the Potomac Communities, and sub-areas of the broad study area with attention to connections and gaps between these areas.
The scope of work developed for Prince William County will assist the County in applying for federal funding and soliciting proposals from consultants to conduct an inclusive, thorough study of potential transportation and land-use impacts from the BRAC decision. The main issues highlighted in the scope of work demonstrate the need to balance future growth with transportation improvements that build upon existing infrastructure and services. Several other jurisdictions applied for technical assistance under the TLC program to mitigate potential land use and transportation impacts from BRAC. The collaborative efforts of the consultants and Prince William County staff provide a comprehensive outline of issues jurisdictions should include in applications for federal assistance to study the sudden increase in commuters their communities may experience as a result of the BRAC decision.
Please follow the link below to review the scope of work developed for this project. Note: This document does not constitute an official Request For Proposals by Prince William County. It is a scoping document that may serve as the basis for a potential future Request For Proposals.
Scope of Work: Impacts of BRAC on the Potomac Communities