SMART Scale Program

SMART SCALE is a process that helps Virginia meet its most critical transportation needs using limited tax dollars. It evaluates potential transportation projects based on key factors like how they improve safety, reduce congestion, increase accessibility, contribute to economic development, promote efficient land use, and affect the environment.  The Town can apply for SMART SCALE projects every two years (even years).  These projects are scored and competitive across the Commonwealth.  More information can be found here.

The Town of Christiansburg has completed one SMART SCALE project and has been awarded a second SMART SCALE project.

Completed:  North Franklin Street  and Cambria Street Intersection / N Franklin Street Corridor

See project page here.

Funded: North Franklin Street – Depot Street Intersection Upgrade

This project aims to upgrade the intersection at N. Franklin Street and Depot Street to add dedicated left turn lanes onto Depot Street for northbound and southbound North Franklin Street traffic. The project would also provide sidewalks for pedestrian accommodation. This project is estimated to cost $5,086,968.  A project sketch is available here.

The Town has submitting four transportation projects to be considered for funding through Virginia’s Smart Scale Program in 2022.  Existing applications, once scored, are available for review here.  If projects are funded and move forward, the design procedures include all federal provisions for the NEPA Process (which includes noise impacts and abatement). 

The four projects under consideration include:

North Franklin Street – Peppers Ferry Road Connector Route, Phase 1 (Peppers Ferry to Cambria Street)

This new highway construction would include a posted 35-mph, 2-lane, 40-mph design, with a controlled access connector between Cambria Street and Peppers Ferry Road, N.W. (Virginia Route 114).  The connection to Cambria Street and Providence Boulevard would be accomplished by the use of a roundabout. – This project is estimated to cost $26,471,650.  A project sketch is available here.

North Franklin Street – Peppers Ferry Road Connector Route, Phase 2 (Cambria Street to N Franklin Street)

This new highway construction would include a posted 35-mph, 2-lane, 40-mph design, with a controlled access connector between Cambria Street and N. Franklin Street.  This project is estimated to cost $38,281,898.  A project sketch is available here.

North Franklin Street - Elm to Depot Pedestrian and Lighting Upgrades

Project includes installation of street lighting from Elm Street to Depot Street to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety. The project begins at the existing Independence Blvd. intersection with N. Franklin Street and ends at Depot St. intersection with N. Franklin Street. This project is estimated to cost $2,256,259.  A project sketch is available here.

Parkway Drive Extension, Phase I

Parkway Drive Extension is an approximately half-mile two lane road extension with a multi-use trail from Technology Dr. which expands access to economic development. The additional multi-use trail extends from Technology Dr. to Falling Branch Elem. School.  This project is estimated to cost $12,891,188.  A project sketch is available here.

Resources

Virginia’s Smart Scale Program
VDOT’s Six-Year Improvement Plan