Further Public Input Sought for Connecting Chesapeake: A Study of High-Capacity Transit

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and the City of Chesapeake are seeking public input on alternatives to transform transit in the city.

Connecting Chesapeake: A Study of High-Capacity Transit moves four alignment alternatives forward for additional evaluation during upcoming events and online.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from the business community as well as local residents and commuters on the potential of high-capacity transit in Chesapeake,” said Sherri Dawson, HRT’s director of transit development. “We’re excited to get additional feedback from the community on the four alternatives that will be further studied for potential ridership, costs, land-use and right-of-way, and other screening criteria.”

The study will evaluate the need for high-capacity transit service, identify and screen potential corridors, and determine the best alternatives that enhance the city’s economy, align with future growth plans and improve connectivity to the regional transportation network. HRT shared the initial 16 preliminary alternatives with the public in the spring.

“As we look toward the future of our city, it’s crucial that we explore high-capacity transit options to support growth and sustainability,” said Steven Wright, Chesapeake’s economic development director. “Expanded transit stimulates economic development and enhances access, mobility and the quality of life for residents.”

As part of its ongoing public outreach efforts, HRT will continue to host small group meetings, presentations to area businesses and civic leagues, pop-ups events throughout the study area, and continued engagement with the Chesapeake community. HRT encourages interested groups or businesses to contact the project team to request a presentation.

The public is invited to learn more and provide feedback on the four conceptual alignment alternatives by attending an upcoming event or providing input online. Event dates, times and locations are as follows:

Tuesday, Aug. 13
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Downtown Norfolk Transit Center
434 St Paul’s Boulevard
Served by Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 18, 20, 44, 45, 960, 961, 980

Wednesday, Aug. 14
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Weekly Wednesday Farmers Market at Chesapeake Health Department
748 Battlefield Blvd. (Behind Chesapeake Regional Medical Center)
Served by HRT Bus Route 14

Thursday, Aug. 15
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Robert Hall Transfer Center
Robert Hall & Military Highway
Served by Bus Routes 6, 13, 14, 15, 24, 57

Saturday, Aug. 24
8:00 a.m. – noon
Farmers Market at Chesapeake City Park
900 City Park Drive

The Tier 2 alternative alignments are available for review and feedback on the study website at www.connectingchesapeake.com. Watch for Facebook Live events at Facebook.com/hrtfan.

Project costs and potential modes of high-capacity transit will be determined in the next phase of the study. Additional pop-ups or online events will also be shared on the project website. The project team encourages the public to visit the website for updates and additional engagement opportunities.

About HRT

HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable. For more information on transit services, visit gohrt.com.