Changes may be coming to how VDOT classifies area roads

Not every roadway in Virginia is the same. The Virginia Department of Transportation classifies each section of each street by something called “functional classification.” 

“Functional classification is a process by which streets, highways, are grouped into different classes or systems according to different functions they are intending to serve,” said Sarah Simba, a planner with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. 

VDOT updates these classifications every ten years after the U.S. Census. The Policy Board of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization got an update on August 28. In all, there are seven functional classifications are defined by the Federal Highway Administration.

“Interstates, other freeways and expressways, other principal arterials, minor arterials, major and minor collectors, and then local roads,” Simba said. 

Each classification represents what purpose a road serves. Interstates, freeways and arterials are intended to move vehicles through without providing direct access to businesses and homes.  Roadways that do provide direct access include collectors and local roads. 

Federal and state officials want the system to work efficiently, so arterials are to connect to other arterials. 

As part of the review process, localities can request changes be made. Charlottesville has made several requests to change several roadways. These include:

• Hillsdale Drive from local road to major collector
• Cherry Avenue from Ridge Street to Roosevelt Brown from major collector to minor arterial
• Chesapeake and East Market Street in the Woolen Mills from local road to minor collector
• Franklin Street from Meade to Carlton Avenue from local road to minor collector
• Prospect Avenue from 9th Street SW to Bailey Road from local road to minor collector
• Bailey Road from Fifth Street SW from local road to minor collector 
• Rose Hill Drive from Oakleaf Lane to Rugby Avenue from local road to major/minor collector

Simba said changing the classifications is a step toward planning for the future. 

“Functional classification helps determine eligibility for funding for many federal funding sources, and this helps in maximizing potential for future funding as well,” Simba said. 

At the end of their briefing at their August 28 meeting, the Charlottesville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization deferred action on a recommendation to support the requested changes. TJPDC Executive Director Christine Jacobs wanted to develop a map of the proposed revisions before their meeting in October.  

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