STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW -ROANOKE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF ROANOKE-

Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization July 2008 Acknowledgements

ROANOKE VALLEY AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) POLICY BOARD David Trinkle, Chair Billy Martin, Sr.

Richard Flora, Vice Chair Joe McNamara

Doug Adams Alvin Nash

Richard Caywood J. Lee E. Osborne

Tony Cho Melinda Payne

Tammy Davis Jackie Shuck

Darrell Feasel Ron Smith

Carolyn Fidler Dave Wheeler

William E. Holdren, Jr.

PROJECT TEAM Matthew Rehnborg Jake Gilmer

This report was prepared by the Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Or- ganization (RVAMPO) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Virginia Depart- ment of Transportation (VDOT). The contents of this report refl ect the views of the staff of the Roanoke Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The MPO staff is responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The con- tents do not necessarily refl ect the offi cial views or policies of the FHWA, VDOT, or RVARC. This report does not constitute a standard, specifi cation, or regulation. FHWA or VDOT acceptance of this report as evidence of fulfi llment of the objectives of this planning study does not constitute endorsement/approval of the need for any recommended improvements nor does it constitute approval of their location and design or a commitment to fund any such improvements. Additional project level environmental impact assessments and/or studies of alternatives may be nec- essary.

2 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: TRAFFIC INFORMATION...... 3

Overview...... 4

Vehicle Type and Traffi c Information...... 8

Accidents...... 10

Bridge Conditions...... 11

CHAPTER 2: LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT...... 13

Residential Development...... 14

Commercial Development...... 15

Industrial Development...... 15

Institutional Properties...... 15

Future Land Use...... 16

CHAPTER 3: ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING...... 19

Non-motorized Facilities...... 20

Historic Resources...... 21

Endangered Species...... 22

Water Resources...... 22

Wetlands...... 24

TABLES

Table 1- Road Characteristics...... 5

Table 2- Current Traffi c Volumes...... 8

Table 3- Projected Traffi c Volumes...... 9

Table 4- Accident Data...... 10

Table 5- Bridge Conditions...... 11

MAPS

Map 1- Traffi c Information...... 12

Map 2- Current Zoning...... 17

Map 3- Environmental Screening: City of Roanoke...... 25

Map 4- Environmental Screening: Roanoke County...... 26 4 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 TRAFFIC INFORMATION 1

STATE ROUTE 116 IS AN IMPORTANT LINK between the Roanoke Valley and Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County. Many residents of Roanoke make frequent trips to Smith Mountain Lake for recreati on or to second homes, while full-ti me residents in Franklin County use Rt. 116 to travel to Roanoke for employment or shopping. The full extent of Rt. 116 extends from Rt. 122 in Burnt Chimney, Franklin County to Rt. 101 in the City of Roanoke.

The purpose of the Route 116 Corridor Review is to provide data and informati on for Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke, and the Virginia Department of Transportati on (VDOT) to use in their planning process. It examines the porti on of Rt. 116 from the Franklin County line to Jeff er- son Street in the City of Roanoke. The informati on collected will be use- ful in developing the Roanoke County and City of Roanoke Comprehensive Plans, as well as ‘Purpose and Need” statements for projects along the corridor. Environmental screening data contained in the Review will also help identi fy issues early in the planning process that may need to be addressed under provisions of the Nati onal Envi- ronmental Policy Act (NEPA). Overview

State Route 116 is a two lane highway that runs in a southwest-northeast heading from State Route 122 in Franklin County to State Route 101 in Roanoke City. This corridor study will focus on the section of the road between Franklin County and Jef- ferson Street in Roanoke City. Route 116 is known by several names in this section. When it fi rst enters Roanoke County it is known as Jae Valley Road. Its name changes to Mt. Pleasant Boulevard in the community of Mount Pleasant. After its intersection with Route 658 in Roanoke City, its name changes to Riverland Road SE. Riverland Road SE continues until it reaches Piedmont Street SE. Route 116 briefl y uses Piedmont Street SE until it reaches Walnut Avenue SE. It then turns west onto Wal- nut Avenue SE and remains there until it reaches Jefferson Street.

This section provides brief a summary of the physical characteristics of the road in the studied corridor. This information is also available in Table 1.

FRANKLIN COUNTY LINE TO BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

State Route 116 enters Roanoke County from Franklin County through a pass in the Blue Ridge Mountains known as Windy Gap (Elevation 1257 ft.). The road’s elevation decreases 330 feet in the fi rst 0.7 miles of the corridor as it descends into the Back Creek basin. This portion of the road contains steep grades and several tight turns. After it passes over Back Creek, the road straightens and assumes a more level course for the next 1.41 miles until it reaches the Blue Ridge Parkway overpass.

Route 116 is given a functional classi- fi cation of “major collector road” from the Federal Highway Administration in this section. The U.S. Census classifi ed this area as “rural.” The speed limit is 55 mph. The road has an average lane width of 10 feet and, as noted earlier, has several tight turns as it descends the Blue Ridge Mountains. The road has earth shoulders that are 1 foot wide between the Franklin County Line and One of several sharp turns on Rt. 116 as it descends the Blue Ridge Mountains Back Creek and 2 feet wide between

6 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 Back Creek and the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is one bridge in this section of the road (Virginia Structure 1087) that is used to cross over Back Creek.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TO RIVERLAND ROAD SE

After State Route 116 passes under the Blue Ridge Parkway, it enters into a census- designated “Urbanized (3C)” area. From this point until the end of the studied cor- ridor, its Federal Functional Classifi cation is “Urban Minor Arterial.” Route 116 passes through the most densely populated areas of the Mt. Pleasant community in this section and serves as the primary transportation artery for that community.

The speed limit decreases to 45 mph in this section. The road has an average lane width of 12 feet and 4 foot wide earth shoulders between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Roanoke City boundary, which is 1.17 miles away. After the road enters the City of Roanoke, the average lane width decreases to 10 feet and shoulders are eliminated entirely.

MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD SE TO 9TH STREET SE

This section begins at the intersection of State Route 116 and State Route 658. At that point, Route 116’s name changes from Mt. Pleasant Blvd. SE to Riverland Rd. SE. Additionally, the average lane width increases to 12 feet. The road continues to have no shoulders.

Between the beginning of this section and the Riverland Rd. SE/Bennington St. SE intersection, which is only 0.16 miles away, the speed limit is 30 mph. After it passes that intersection, the speed limit increases to 35 mph. Between Bennington St. SE and 9th St. SE there are two traffi c signals. The fi rst is located at the intersection of Riverland Rd. SE and Garden City Blvd. SE. The second is at the Riverland Rd. SE/ 9th St. SE intersection. Both are three-way intersections. There is one bridge in this section (Virginia Structure 1828), which is located a short distance to the east the of the Garden City Blvd. SE intersection.

Table 1- Road Characteristics Avg. Lane Shoulder Speed Shoulder Structures From To Lanes Width Width Limit Surface (Va. No.) (ft.) (ft.) (mph) Franklin Blue Ridge 2 10 Earth 1-2 55 1087 County Line Parkway Blue Ridge Riverland Earth/ 2 10-12 0-4 45 Parkway Road None Mount Pleas- 9th Street 2 12 None 0 30-35 1828 ant Road Jeff erson 9th Street 2 11-12 None 0 25 1815, 1816 Street

Source: Statewide Planning System. Virginia Transportation and Mobility Planning Division. Richmond, 2007.

CHAPTER 1 •TRAFFIC INFORMATION• 7 9TH STREET SE TO JEFFERSON STREET

Shortly after State Route 116 (Riverland Rd. SE) passes the 9th St. SE intersection, it enters a residential neighborhood known as Riverland. Sidewalks have been con- structed along portions of both sides of the street as it passes through the neighbor- hood. Street parking is permitted on the north side of the road in the neighborhood. The speed limit is 25 mph and the average lane width varies between 11 and 12 feet.

Riverland Rd. terminates at its intersection with Piedmont St. SE. At this point, Route 116 turns to the left (southwest) while it briefl y uses Piedmont St. SE. Less than one-tenth of a mile later, Piedmont St. SE terminates at its intersection with Walnut Avenue SE. Route 116 then turns to the right (northwest) and continues along Walnut Avenue until it reaches Jefferson Street.

Two large bridges are found on Walnut Avenue SE during the short distance that Route 116 uses the road. The fi rst—Virginia Structure 1816—passes over the Roanoke River. Immediately after this bridge ends, another—Virginia Structure 1815—begins. This bridge carries the road over Norfolk and Southern Rail-lines and Williamson Road. Shortly after this bridge ends, the road reaches the end of the studied corridor at its intersection with Jefferson Street. Vehicle Type and Traffic Volumes

CURRENT TRAFFIC

Table 2 lists 2006 Average Annual Daily Traffi c (AADT) data, 2006 truck traffi c data, and 2005 vehicle-per-hour (VPH) counts for the studied corridor. According to this information, the busiest section of State Route 116 is found between Bennington St. SE and 9th St. SE in the City of Roanoke. 9th St. SE and Bennington St. SE—whose intersections designate either end of this section—are urban collector and minor arte- rial roads, respectively, in southeast Roanoke City. Route 116 is the southern termi- nal of both roads and, as a result, is frequently used as a connection or access road for vehicles moving between or to those routes. In addition, Garden City Blvd. SE also Table 2: Current Traffi c Volumes 2006 Truck From To 2006 AADT 2005 VPH Percentage Franklin County Line Back Creek 5,275 1% 633 Back Creek Blue Ridge Parkway 5,275 1% 633 Blue Ridge Parkway SCL Roanoke 5,766 1% 636 SCL Roanoke Riverland Road 7,791 1% 759 Mount Pleasant Road Bennington Street 7,791 1% 763 Bennington Street 9th Street 9,480 1% 818 9th Street Piedmont Street 7,806 1% 781 Riverland Road Walnut Avenue 4,466 1% 496 Piedmont Street Jeff erson Street 5,579 1% 513 Source: Statewide Planning System. Virginia Transportation and Mobility Plan- ning Division. Richmond, 2007.

8 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 terminates at its intersection with Route 116 in this section. Garden City Blvd. SE is one of the primary routes for vehicles traveling between Garden City and downtown or southeast Roanoke.

Three of the other sections of the road that are located in the City of Roanoke reported vehicle counts in excess of 7,000 per day. The only two sections that did not exceed this level are found at the end of the corridor when the route briefl y travels down Piedmont Street SE and Walnut Street SE. At the other end of the study corridor in Roanoke County, traffi c counts were between fi ve and six thousand vehicles per day. Truck traffi c was reported to constitute only 1% of the total traffi c in every section of the corridor.

FUTURE TRAFFIC

Table 3 shows the projected traffi c volumes for Route 116 in 2035. The growth rates used in this calculation (and shown in the table) are based on estimates provided by VDOT.

If the historic growth rates remain consistent in the future, the greatest increases of traffi c will occur in the southern sections of the corridor in Roanoke County. This area has a greater capacity to accommodate new growth (in terms of undeveloped land) than any other areas surrounding the studied corridor, so it is likely that this prediction will be accurate. In regards to overall traffi c volume, however, the sec- tions in Roanoke City (especially between 9th St. SE and Roanoke County) are ex- pected to remain the busiest in the corridor.

In addition to being available in Tables 2 and 3, current and future traffi c volumes are shown on Map 1. This map identifi es the approximate locations at which the counts were recorded. In addition to traffi c count information, accident locations and 2005 Level of Service (LOS) data for Rt. 116 is also presented. “Level of Service” is a rating that is used to describe a road’s ability to accommodate the amount and type of traffi c that normally uses it. These ratings range from A (high effi ciency) to F (lowest effi ciency).

Table 3: Future Traffi c Volumes 2035 Traffi c From To 2005 AADT Growth Rate Projections Franklin County Line Back Creek 5,549 1.25% 7,630 Back Creek Blue Ridge Parkway 5,549 1.25% 7,630 Blue Ridge Parkway SCL Roanoke 5,627 1.25% 7,737 SCL Roanoke Riverland Road 7,668 1.0% 9,968 Mount Pleasant Road Bennington Street 7,703 1.0% 10,014 Bennington Street 9th Street 9,192 1.0% 11,950 9th Street Piedmont Street 7,806 0.25% 8,391 Riverland Road Walnut Avenue 4,466 0.25% 4,801 Piedmont Street Jeff erson Street 5,579 0.25% 5,997 Source: Statewide Planning System. Virginia Transportation and Mobility Planning Division. Richmond, 2007.

CHAPTER 1 •TRAFFIC INFORMATION• 9 Accidents

The intersection of Riverland Rd. SE (Rt. 116) and Bennington St. SE.

Detailed accident data was only available for Rt. 116 within the City of Roanoke, as shown on Table 4 and Map 1, which contains locations that had at least 3 accidents from 2005-2007. The intersection of Riverland Rd. and Bennington St. stands out as having a high number of accidents. It should be noted that this intersection will likely be reconstructed in 2009. A VDOT accident database containing locations with 3 or more accidents from 2004-2006, did not show any for the Roanoke County por- tion of Rt. 116. At the time of this Review, information such as the type of collision or conditions was not readily available for each of the accidents.

Table 4: Accidents Accidents Intersection 2005 2006 2007 Riverland Rd. & Garden City Blvd. 3 2 4 Riverland Rd. & Bennington St. 6 1 4 Source: Statewide Planning System. Virginia Transportation and Mobil- ity Planning Division. Richmond, 2007.

10 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 Bridge Conditions Four bridges are located in this studied corridor of State Route 116. Basic informa- tion about these structures has been provided in Table 5. Of these four, one has been classifi ed by VDOT as “structurally defi cient” (Bridge 1087, crossing Back Creek) and two others have been classifi ed as “functionally obsolete” (Bridge 1816, cross- ing the Roanoke River, and Bridge 1815, crossing Williamson Road and Norfolk and Southern Railroad). VDOT has provided the following explanations for these clas- sifi cations:

What is a “structurally defi cient” bridge? Bridges are considered struc- turally defi cient if they have been re- stricted to light vehicles, closed to traf- fi c or require rehabilitation. Structurally defi cient means there are elements of the bridge that need to be monitored and/or repaired. The fact that a bridge is “structurally defi cient” does not im- ply that it is likely to collapse or that it is unsafe. It means the bridge must be monitored, inspected and maintained.

Bridges 1816 (foreground) and 1815 (background) on Rt. 116 in the City of Roanoke What is a “functionally obsolete” bridge? A functionally obsolete bridge is one that was built to standards that are not used today. These bridges are not automatically rated as structurally defi cient, nor are they inherently unsafe. Functionally obsolete bridges are those that do not have adequate lane widths, shoulder widths, or ver- tical clearances to serve current traffi c demand, or those that may be occasionally fl ooded.

Table 5: Bridge Conditions VA Deck Super Sub Year Suffi ciency Functionally Structurally Last Structure Crossing Condi- Condi- Condi- Built Rating Obsolete Defi cient Inspected No. tion* tion* tion* Williamson 1815 1928 5 5 5 56.6 FO 10/1/2007 Rd, NSRR Roanoke 1816 1900 7 7 7 79.4 FO 10/3/2006 River Garnand 1828 1932 6 6 6 91.4 6/26/2007 Branch 1087 Back Creek 1961 4 5 5 47 SD 1/12/2007

Source: “Bridge and Culvert Conditions: Salem District.” Virginia Department of Transportation. 2008.

*Condition ratings range from 0 (failed condition) to 9 (excellent)

CHAPTER 1 •TRAFFIC INFORMATION• 11 Map 1- Traffi c Information

12 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT 2

FEW FACTORS HAVE MORE INFLUENCE on a roadway than its sur- rounding land uses. They play a large role in determining the type and amount of traffi c that will use the road, as well as the need for traffi c safety and control measures. The majority of the land surround- ing State Route 116 in the stud- ied corridor is currently used for single-family residenti al develop- ments. These properti es can be found in setti ngs ranging from the traditi onal urban neighborhoods in the City of Roanoke to rural residenti al properti es in Roanoke County. A small number of com- mercial and industrial properti es are intermingled between these developments.

A residential subdivision adjacent to Rt. 116 in the community of Mt. Pleasant, located in Roanoke County Residential Development The majority of residential development along State Route 116 is concentrated in one of two areas (see Map 2). The fi rst is a neighborhood in South Roanoke City known as Riverland. The second is a rural community in Roanoke County known as Mt. Pleasant.

Riverland is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the City of Roanoke. Recently, it was deemed eligible for classifi cation as a historic district. Route 116 enters the neighbor- hood from the south on Riverland Rd. SE. Riverland Rd. SE is the busiest street in the neighborhood and accommodates a signifi cant amount of through traffi c in ad- dition to resident traffi c. In the Riverland Neighborhood Plan, the City of Roanoke stated that it intended to maintain the residential nature of the road in the neighbor- hood. The City plans to complete continuous sidewalks on both sides of the street, maintain a consistent structural setback, and add street trees where possible. In ad- dition, they want to continue to provide and encourage on-street parking in order to narrow the width of travel lanes on Rt. 116 and, consequently, slow traffi c.

The second residential area is a rural community located just south of the Roanoke City limits that is known as Mount Pleasant. Some of the homes have direct drive- way access to Route 116. Most, however, have been built on surrounding streets and attain access to it by one of the four streets that intersect Route 116 in Mt. Pleasant.

Although Riverland Neighborhood and Mount Pleasant host the greatest concentra- tions of residential development on the Route 116 corridor, residential properties can be found almost continuously along the entire studied corridor.

Residential developments along Rt. 116, as seen in the City of Roanoke’s Riverland Neighborhood (pictured left) and Roanoke County’s Mount Pleasant (right)

14 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 Commercial Development Few commercial properties are found along the studied corridor of State Route 116. Those that can be found are concentrated in three locations (see Map 2).

The fi rst commercial area is located on Piedmont St. SE in Riverland Neighborhood. Route 116 uses this section of the road as a connection from Riverland Rd. SE to Wal- nut Ave. SE. The area has been designated as the “Village Center” of the Riverland Neighborhood. All the businesses here are small and generate little traffi c.

A second commercial area, and the largest along the corridor, is found at the intersection of Bennington St. SE and Route 116/Riverland Rd. SE. On the northwest corner of the intersec- tion is a medium-sized shopping cen- ter that contains a grocery store and several small businesses in a strip-mall development pattern. A larger grocery store can be found on the other side of Bennington St. SE. Although its main entrance is located on Bennington St. One of the grocery stores located near the intersection of Riverland Rd. SE (Rt. 116) and SE, all traffi c coming to the store from Bennington St. SE. Mt. Pleasant, Garden City, Riverland Neighborhood, or Southeast Roanoke via 9th Street must use Route 116 to reach it.

The third commercial area is found in the community of Mt. Pleasant at the intersec- tion of Valley Stream Dr. and Route 116/Jae Valley Rd. It includes a gas station and two small businesses. Industrial Development Very few industrial properties are located along State Route 116 (see Map 2). Near the Roanoke County/Franklin County border, two properties have been zoned as “light manufacturing or warehouse.” In the City of Roanoke, a large electric trans- former station is located along the road near the Garden City Blvd. SE intersection. A small cluster of properties next to this station are also zoned as “Industrial,” but their current land use is single family housing.

A large industrial park can be found near Route 116 in Roanoke City. It is located on the north side of the Roanoke River in Southeast Roanoke. The only driveways available for the park are found on 9th St. SE. Given Route 116’s close proximity to those 9th St. SE access points, it is likely that it serves as one of the primary arteries for traffi c traveling to and from the park. Institutional Properties The Western Virginia Water Authority has constructed facilities on the northeast corner of the intersection of State Route 116 and Bennington St. SE. It also owns two large undeveloped properties to the south of this intersection. The undeveloped properties have been zoned by the City of Roanoke as Open Space.

Two fi re stations are located along the studied corridor. The City of Roanoke has

CHAPTER 2 •LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT• 15 a station located at the intersection of Riverland Rd. SE and Bennington St. SE. In Roanoke County, The Mount Pleasant Fire and Rescue station is located on Route 116 immediately north of Valley Stream Dr. Future Land Use In the City of Roanoke, most of the land surrounding State Route 116 has already been developed. Consequently, it is unlikely that major land-use changes will occur here. Some additional housing may be added between Bennington Street SE and the Roanoke City/County border. Most of the future land development, however, is likely to occur in Roanoke County.

Roanoke County recently prepared a future development plan for the community of Mt. Pleasant and its surrounding areas (referred to collectively as Mount Pleas- ant). This is one of the few areas of Roanoke County that has not been extensively developed. According to the plan, the county intends to preserve the rural character of the area as much as possible. The growth that does occur will be directed in and around the already-developed areas of Mt. Pleasant. This growth will primarily be residential (specifi cally, single family homes) in nature. Some commercial develop- ment may also occur, however.

Two signifi cant development projects are already in the planning or development stages in Roanoke County. The fi rst is a golf-course community known as Balley- hack Golf Club that will be located on Pitzer Road. Vehicles traveling to Balleyhack will turn off of Route 116 at Mount Pleasant Boulevard, which eventually intersects Pitzer Road. This club is intended to be highly exclusive, so it should not generate large amounts of traffi c. The property will include 75 home sites.

The second proposed development is a gated subdivision known as Loblolly Mill. This subdivision, which will be located off of Sterling Road, will contain about thirty homes. Route 116 will be the nearest arterial road to both of these developments and, as a result, will most likely accommodate the majority of the traffi c that travels between them and the City of Roanoke or Franklin County.

A fi nal project that should be mentioned is the proposed development of a family- style resort on the property that used to be home to Explore Park, which is bounded by the Roanoke River to the north and the Blue Ridge Parkway to the west. The park was forced to close in June 2008 due to a lack of funding. Virginia Living Histories, the development company that is currently leasing the land, has expressed interest in creating a family-based destination attraction on the site. Existing access to the property can only found on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If the park is developed more extensively, however, additional road access may be needed. Given Route 116’s proximity to the property, it is possible that one of these access roads may connect to it near Mount Pleasant.

16 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 Map 2- Current Zoning

CHAPTER 2 •LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT• 17 18 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING 3

ON JANUARY 1, 1970 the Nati onal Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) was signed into Law. NEPA established a nati onal environmental policy and provided a framework for environmental planning and deci- sion-making by Federal agencies. When Federal agencies are planning, funding, or issuing permits for projects, NEPA directs them to conduct environmental reviews to consider the potenti al impacts on the human and natural environment by their proposed acti ons. NEPA also estab- lished the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), which is charged with the administrati on of NEPA. The NEPA process consists of a set of fundamental objecti ves that includes interagency coordinati on and co- operati on and public parti cipati on in planning and project development decision-making.

Rt. 116 (center-striped road beginning in bottom-left corner of the picture) travels between Mill Mountain Park (top-left), the historic Riverland Neighborhood (top-right) and the Roanoke River (bottom-right). Source: Microsoft Virtual Earth. The NEPA process is now strongly embedded in the federal project development process and continues to have broad-based legislative support; however there have been concerns about its effect on the timely completion of projects. These concerns led to the signing of Executive Order 13274 in 2002 and to language in the 2005 fed- eral transportation legislation, Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi cient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which emphasized the importance of expedited transportation project delivery while being good stewards of the en- vironment. As a result, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has worked with States to implement an environmental streamlining process that requires trans- portation agencies to work together with natural, cultural, and historic resource agencies to establish realistic timeframes for the environmental review of transpor- tation projects. FHWA has also encouraged transportation planning agencies (State DOT’s, MPO’s and RPO’s) to link planning and environmental review in order to streamline both processes.

This section attempts to provide such a linkage by identifying human and natural resources that could be affected by future transportation projects along State Route 116 in Roanoke County and Roanoke City. Unless stated otherwise, an environmen- tal resource was included in this group if it was located within 500 feet of the road. This is not a comprehensive review of such resources and includes only those with which the MPO can reliably and consistently identify their location and signifi cance. Maps 3 and 4 show the locations of many of these resources along the Rt. 116 cor- ridor. Endangered species locations and archaeological sites are not included on the maps due to the fragile nature of these resources. Specifi c information about any of the resources discussed in this section can be obtained by contacting the RVARC. Non-Motorized Facilities Walkable and bikeable communities offer a high quality of life and positively impact mobility, safety, and recreational opportunities. The desire for effi cient motorized travel must be balanced with community development patterns as well as the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists. Preserving a well-planned and well-maintained non- motorized system, which provides recreational opportunities and connects commu- nity activity centers, is key to overall transportation goals.

Possible impacts on nonmotorized facilities should be considered during the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of transportation projects. Nonmotorized facilities are considered impacted if they are removed, if travel patterns are changed to the detriment of pedestrian/ bicyclist safety, or if existing nonmotorized pathways are bisected (e.g., by a bridge not accessible to non-vehicular traffi c) thereby reducing connectivity along the pathway or between destinations. (SEMCOG)

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

Frequent pedestrian crossings occur at several places on Route 116 on the studied corridor. Many of these cross- ings are directly related to greenway or trail use, which will be discussed more extensively below. In addition to these locations, pedestrian traffi c can be expected at various locations in Riverland Neighborhood, around the

20 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 shopping centers at the intersection of Bennington St. SE and Riverland Rd. SE, and in the community of Mount Pleasant. Special attention could be given in Mount Pleasant for children who might cross the road en route to Mount Pleasant Elemen- try School, which is located a short distance to the north of Route 116.

GREENWAYS, TRAILS, AND BIKE PATHS

Mill Mountain Greenway

The Mill Mountain Greenway is a three and one-half mile long path that connects downtown Roanoke with Mill Mountain. Its route uses State Route 116 on Wal- nut Avenue between Jefferson Street and Piedmont Street. Although sidewalks are available for pedestrians in this section, bike riders must use the on-road lanes of Route 116.

Roanoke River Greenway

The Roanoke River Greenway includes a two and one-half mile long path that fol- lows the Roanoke River in South and Southeast Roanoke. The path passes under State Route 116 at Walnut Street Bridge 1816. This point also serves as a connection between the Roanoke River Greenway and the Mill Mountain Greenway.

The greenway path, like the river, assumes a close parallel route to Route 116 be- tween Riverland Neighborhood and Bennington Street. It runs along the southern bank of the river between the river and the road.

Mill Mountain Star Trail

The Mill Mountain Star Trail is a natural footpath that connects Riverland Rd. SE/ State Route 116 with Mill Mountain Park. A small parking lot has been constructed near Route 116 to provide access for trail us- ers. The parking lot is accessed by a short driveway that connects directly to Route 116.

Roanoke Valley Horse Trail

The Roanoke Valley Horse Trail is a 18.5 mile equestrian trail that runs parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway as it passes through Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke. The trail crosses Route 116 immediately south of the parkway’s overpass.

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE The Blue Ridge Parkway passes over Rt. 116 The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a linear park and scenic road that is owned and managed by the National Park Service, intersects State Route 116 approximately 2.1 miles north of the Franklin County line. The property surrounding Route 116 is contained in the Parkway’s land for a linear distance of approximately .17 miles. An overpass was constructed for the Parkway’s road at this intersection. No access ramps were constructed to allow traffi c to transfer between the two roads.

CHAPTER 3 •ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING• 21 Mill Mountain Park

Mill Mountain Park is a fi ve-hundred acre park in the City of Roanoke that contains the land on and around Mill Mountain. State Route 116 serves as the northern bor- der of the park for over half a mile between Primrose Street and the driveway to the Mill Mountain Star Trail parking lot.

OTHER OPEN SPACE

A large area of undeveloped land is found to the south and west of Route 116 near its intersection with Bennington Street. It is owned by the Western Virginia Water Au- thority and has been zoned by the City of Roanoke as Recreation and Open Space. Historic Resources Preservation of key historic resources contributes to stronger communities, economic development and tourism, and an overall higher quality of life for citizens. Under- standing and developing a future consistent with the past is essential. The ultimate goal is integrating historic preservation into all aspects of current and future com- munity and transportation planning, so that, ultimately, there is a balance.

Historic resources are generally considered to be any building, district, archeologi- cal site, structure, or object that is at least fi fty years of age and is either listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Possible impacts on historic resources should be considered during the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of transportation projects. A historical resource is considered im- pacted if the resource and/or its site features are damaged, relocated or destroyed; altered inconsistent with preservation standards; exposed to incompatible visual, atmospheric, or audible elements; or neglected. (SEMCOG)

HISTORIC STRUCTURES

Five structures or places that are within fi ve-hundred feet of State Route 116 in Roa- noke County have been deemed eligible for consideration to be designated as histor- ic places. Four of these structures are homes and the fi fth is a small cemetery. None have been listed on the Virginia or National Register of Historic Places.

In the city of Roanoke, thirty structures or places within 500 feet of the road have been identifi ed in historic surveys. Two of these—the Virginia Railway Passenger Station and the Southwest Historic District—are listed on both the Virginia and Na- tional Register of Historic Places. The other eligible structures include bridges, fac- tory and warehouse buildings, homes, and two neighborhood districts (Riverland and Southeast Roanoke).

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Four identifi ed archaeological sites are located within 250 feet of State Route 116 in the vicinity of the Roanoke River. Although their specifi c locations are withheld here in the interest of protecting the sites, any projects that are undertaken along the cor- ridor in this area should be prepared to properly accommodate them as necessary. Endangered Species The Roanoke River and Back Creek are home to an endangered fi sh species known

22 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 as the Roanoke Logperch. This fi sh has been documented many times in the sections of these water bodies immediately adjacent to the State Route 116 corridor. It should also be noted that there are several documented sightings of endangered species in both the Roanoke River and Back Creek that do not specifi cally identify a species (in the data that was available for this study). Although it is likely that these cases also identify Logperch, additional research should be done for any projects that are undertaken in these areas. Water Resources Surface waters, including lakes and streams, are a vital component of all communi- ties—contributing to agriculture and industry, recreation and tourism, and overall quality of life—and their preservation should, therefore, be a priority. Possible im- pacts on water resources should be considered during the plan- ning, design, construction, and maintenance of transportation projects. Water resources are considered impacted if polluted stormwater runoff reaches riv- ers and lakes, area vegetation is removed, damage to the stream beds or banks is caused by heavy equipment, or accidental spills (e.g., paint, solvent, fuel, salt) run directly into water bodies. (SEM- Rt. 116 passes over the Roanoke River, the Roanoke River’s 100-year fl ood plain, and the Roanoke River Greenway on Bridge 1816 in the City of Roanoke. COG)

RIVERS AND STEAMS

State Route 116 passes over two major rivers or streams in the studied corridor. Both bodies of water are classifi ed as “Impaired” by the Virginia Department of Environ- mental Quality.

Roanoke River

In addition to passing over the Roanoke River on Walnut Avenue’s Bridge 1816, State Route 116/Riverland Rd. SE runs parallel to it along its southern banks be- tween Riverland Neighborhood and Bennington Road SE. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality lists the Roanoke River as a Virginia Category 5D impaired waterway because of Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments (Streams), Escheri- chia coli, and Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in Fish Tissue. A Virginia Category 5D waterway is one in which the Water Quality Standard is not attained where Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for a pollutant(s) have been developed but one or more pollutants are still causing impairment requiring additional TMDL develop- ment. The possible sources of the listed pollutants include: Discharges from Mu- nicipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4); Drought-related Impacts; Municipal (Urbanized High Density Area); Sanitary Sewer Overfl ows (Collection System Fail- ures); Sediment Resuspension (Contaminated Sediment); Wastes from Pets; Wild- life Other than Waterfowl.

Back Creek

State Route 116 passes over Back Creek 0.7 miles after the road enters Roanoke Coun-

CHAPTER 3 •ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING• 23 ty from Franklin County. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality lists the creek as a Virginia Category 5A impaired waterway because of fecal coliform levels. This listing means that the water is impaired or threatened for one or more designated uses by the pollutant and requires a TMDL (303d list). Fecal Coliform is a bacteria that originates from the following possible sources: Livestock (Grazing or Feeding Operations); Municipal (Urbanized High Density Area); Unspecifi ed Do- mestic Waste; Wastes from Pets; Wildlife Other than Waterfowl.

FLOOD PLAINS

Use of the land adjacent to a stream has a major impact on protecting water quality, avoiding fl ood damage, maintaining fi sh and wildlife habitat, and accessing water- related recreation. Also known as the fl oodplain, this area adjacent to the stream channel serves as a natural reservoir for storing excess water during a fl ood. When the main stream channel cannot accommodate the level of runoff from precipitation, the spreading of fl oodwaters into the fl oodplain helps reduce the amount of damage incurred by fl ooding.

Possible impacts to fl oodplains should be considered in the planning, design, con- struction, and maintenance of transportation projects. Floodplains are considered impacted if fi ll is added, vegetation is removed, or heavy equipment is placed in the fl oodplain. (SEMCOG)

Three areas along the State Route 116 Corridor could potentially be impacted by 100-year fl oodplains. One is located in Roanoke County where the road crosses the Back Creek fl oodplain. The second area is located in Roanoke City between River- land Neighborhood and Bennington St. SE. In this section, the road is located imme- diately adjacent to the Roanoke River fl oodplain and passes through the fl oodplain of a small creek that runs parallel to Garden City Blvd. The third area is found on Walnut Ave. SE when the road passes through the Roanoke River fl oodplain on Bridges 1815 and 1816. Wetlands Wetlands play a vital role in water resource protection, recreation, tourism, and the economy. Specifi cally, they provide:

-Flood and storm control via hydrologic absorption and storage capacity

-Wildlife habitat for breeding, nesting, feeding grounds, and cover for many forms of wildlife, specifi cally waterfowl (including migratory waterfowl) and rare, threat- ened, or endangered species

-Protection of subsurface water resources, valuable watersheds, and recharge for groundwater supplies

-Pollution treatment by serving as a biological and chemical oxidation basin

-Erosion control by serving as a sedimentation area and fi ltering basin, absorbing silt and organic matter

Wetlands are defi ned by Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994, PA451 as “land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration suffi cient to support, and that under normal

24 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 circumstances does support, wetland vegetation or aquatic life, and is commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh.”

Possible impacts on wetlands should be considered during the planning, design, construction , and maintenance of transportation projects. Wetlands are considered impacted if fi ll is added to the wetland, soil or minerals are dredged or removed from the wetland, polluted stormwater runoff enters a wetland, surface water is drained from the wetland, vegetation is removed, or heavy equipment is placed in the wetland. (SEMCOG)

This corridor of Virginia Route 116 passes within 500 feet of only one wetland area that is listed on the National Wetland Inventory. This wetland consists of the river- ine area surrounding and including the Roanoke River. As with the river, Route 116 passes over the wetland on Walnut Avenues Bridge 1816 and then runs immediately south and parallel to it between Riverland Neighborhood and Bennington Road SE.

CHAPTER 3 •ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING• 25 Map 4- Environmental Screening: Roanoke County

26 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008 Map 3- Environmental Screening: City of Roanoke

CHAPTER 3 •ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING• 27 SOURCES

City of Roanoke. Riverland/Walnut Hill Neighborhood Plan. Retrieved May 2008 from

Microsoft Virtual Earth. Microsoft Corporation. Image retrieved July 2008 from

Roanoke County. Mount Pleasant Community Plan-Draft. Retrieved May 2008 from

SEMCOG. “Integrating Environmental Issues in the Transportation Planning Pro- cess: Guidelines for Road and Transit Agencies.” The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. January 2007.

Virginia. Transportation and Mobility Planning Division. Statewide Planning System. Richmond, 2007.

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. 2006 Impaired Waters (303D Data). Retrieved May 2008 from

Virginia Department of Transportation. Bridge and Culvert Conditions: Sa- lem District. Retrieved May 2008 from

28 •STATE ROUTE 116 CORRIDOR REVIEW• JULY 2008