Wards Ferry Road Corridor Study

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The Wards Ferry Road Corridor Study was prepared by the Region 2000 Local Government Council and the consultant firm, URS Corporation, with City of Lynchburg guidance. The plan was incorporated into the City of Lynchburg Comprehensive Plan on January 14, 2014.

The plan looks at the Wards Ferry Road corridor from its connection with Timberlake Road in the north to where it meets Wards Road at the south and seeks to address two major issues: rising safety concerns of both vehicular traffic and a growing car-free student population, and capacity issues from already increased congestion and anticipated market demands for development along the corridor. The recommended improvements address those issues through the addition of turn lanes, a roundabout at the intersection with Harvard Street, improved sight distances, and a shared-use path or a combination of bike lanes and traditional sidewalks.  Two alternatives are presented as the “Initial Preferred Alternative” and the “Recommended Preferred Alternative,” reflecting a staff level concern over the acquisition of right-of-way needed for the “Initial Preferred Alternative.” Both alternatives increase safety and preserve current street capacity, however only minor growth along the corridor could be accommodated.

Public and stakeholder meetings were held on March 28, 2013, and May 9, 2013 at Heritage Elementary School and Church of the Nazarene to involve citizens in the process of developing these plans and address any concerns.  If you have any questions regarding the plan, contact the Department of Community Development at 434-455-3900.