HB222: Secondary highway system; VDOT & DRPT to review new design standards components therefor.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 33.1-69.001 as follows:

? 33.1-69.001. Design standards for state secondary highway system components.

For urban and urban development areas in jurisdictions using the urban county executive form of government, the Virginia Department of Transportation shall work in conjunction with the jurisdiction and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to review new design standards for state secondary highway system components that the jurisdiction proposes. Such standards shall (i) be based on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets and other publications applicable to urban areas; (ii) set forth a design methodology that should be used in the affected urban and urban development areas; (iii) allow for the efficient movement of transit and other vehicles through these areas; (iv) accommodate safe pedestrian and bicyclist movement; (v) accommodate high density urban development; (vi) encourage user-friendly access to transit; (vii) include stormwater management guidelines, consistent with state and local laws and regulations; and (viii) respect the character of urban areas. These design standards and methodologies are intended to facilitate approval of roadway and transportation system improvement plans in urban areas that comply with the standards. These design standards should not contradict or be in conflict with the principles outlined in the Department's Secondary Street Acceptance Requirements.

Standards developed as required by this section shall be completed and in force no later than December 1, 2011.