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A Message from HRTPO Deputy Executive Director
Transportation touches nearly every aspect of life in Hampton Roads: how we get to work and school, move goods through the region, support military readiness, connect visitors to destinations, and prepare our communities for the future. As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) serves as a forum for regional collaboration, bringing together local governments, transit agencies, transportation partners, and the public to help shape a transportation system that works for everyone.
This month’s newsletter highlights key transportation planning efforts currently underway across Hampton Roads. These efforts guide how the region plans, prioritizes, and invests in transportation projects that support safety, connectivity, mobility, infrastructure condition, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic competitiveness.
In a region defined by water, home to one of the busiest ports on the East Coast, a strong military presence, and a growing multimodal transportation network, thoughtful planning matters. Through data-driven analysis, regional coordination, and ongoing public engagement, the HRTPO works to ensure transportation investments support the needs of residents, businesses, freight movement, military operations, and visitors today and into the future.
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From Vision to Investment: Hampton Roads 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan Heads to Adoption
What will it take to keep Hampton Roads moving through 2050? After five years of regional collaboration, public input, and data-driven analysis, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) is preparing to adopt the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the region’s blueprint for transportation investment.
Updated every five years, the LRTP identifies transportation needs, evaluates solutions, and uses scenario planning to test how projects could perform across different futures. Guided by the vision of Transportation for All, the plan prioritizes investments that help the region prepare for growth, changing travel patterns, flooding risks, safety needs, and stronger regional connectivity.
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The plan directs expected transportation funding toward maintaining the existing system and investing an additional $15 billion in multimodal improvements, including roads, bridges, tunnels, transit, biking and walking trails, and freight-related projects.
The HRTPO Board is scheduled to consider the 2050 LRTP for adoption on May 21, 2026.
Explore the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan and see how Hampton Roads is planning for the future >
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FY 2027-2030
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Alongside the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan, the Hampton Roads FY 2027–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is also scheduled to go before the HRTPO Board for adoption at its May 21, 2026 meeting.
The TIP identifies federally funded and regionally significant transportation projects planned for implementation across Hampton Roads over the next four years. Developed in coordination with localities, transit agencies, and state transportation partners, the TIP helps turn long-range planning into funded transportation improvements throughout the region.
The draft TIP was available for public review and comment this spring and, once approved, will go into effect on October 1, 2026.
Learn more about the Transportation Improvement Program >
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HAMPTON ROADS ECONOMIC MONTHLY
Gaining Ground: Disabled Workers in Hampton Roads
Labor force participation among disabled workers has risen significantly over the past decade -- both nationally and here in Hampton Roads. In fact, the region now exceeds the national average, with 57% of working-age disabled residents participating in the workforce in 2024.
The latest Hampton Roads Economic Monthly explores the evolving role of disabled workers in the regional economy, examining where people work, how they commute, and the factors helping drive increased workforce participation. The report also highlights how remote work, transportation access, and Hampton Roads’ strong federal employment presence continue to shape opportunities for disabled workers across the region.
Explore the Hampton Roads Economic Monthly to learn more about how disabled workers participate in Hampton Roads economy >
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ON THE MAP
Connecting Hampton Roads by Transit
Getting around Hampton Roads by transit involves more than a single system. Across the region, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA), and Suffolk Transit work together through a network of routes and transfer points that connect communities across multiple cities and localities.
To better visualize those connections, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) developed an interactive map showing transit routes and service frequency across Hampton Roads in one unified view.
Whether you're a daily rider, occasional commuter, or simply curious about regional transit, the map offers a new way to explore how public transportation connects Hampton Roads.
Explore the interactive Regional Transit Frequency Map >
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MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH
There's Still Time to Get Out and Enjoy the Ride
Throughout the month of May, Hampton Roads communities have been celebrating National Bike Month with events encouraging residents to have some fun on two wheels while recognizing the many benefits of biking -- from improving health and reducing congestion to supporting more connected, active communities. A few of the upcoming celebrations can be found at the links below. Choose one near you or get out and explore a place that might be new to you!
Check out local events or use the interactive FISH, SWIM, PLAY tool to find a bike trail near you >
| In celebration of Bike to Work Day, May 15th, HRPDC Chief Resilience Officer Ben McFarlane biked to and through the office. |
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Reimagining Wythe Creek Road for Safer, Smarter Travel
Major improvements are underway along Wythe Creek Road as Hampton and Poquoson partner on a project designed to improve traffic flow, strengthen flood resilience, and expand pedestrian access.
Highlights include a new 1,544-foot bridge above the 100-year floodplain, roadway widening, new sidewalks and multi-use paths, and an innovative reversible traffic lane system designed to improve rush-hour travel efficiency.
Construction began in 2024 and is expected to continue through spring 2028.
Learn about the Wythe Creek Road widening project >
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A WIN FOR THE REGION
HRPDC Receives Environmental Stewardship Award
The HRPDC has been recognized by the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council with the Government Agency Award for transforming The Regional Building’s parking lot into an environmental showcase.
The project was honored for its innovative approach to reducing flooding, improving stormwater management, creating pollinator habitat, and supporting green transportation options, demonstrating how infrastructure projects can also advance environmental and community goals.
Learn more about the award-winning project >
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A CLEANER, GREENER HAMPTON ROADS
Thousands Unite for Regional Kickoff to Great American Cleanup
More than 3,100 volunteers from across Hampton Roads rolled up their sleeves for the annual Hampton Roads Kickoff to the Great American Cleanup, removing an estimated 45 tons of litter from neighborhoods, parks, waterways, and public spaces across the region.
Organized by askHRgreen.org, the two-day effort brought together residents, military commands, businesses, schools, and community organizations to help protect local waterways, reduce flooding impacts, restore habitat, and beautify communities throughout Hampton Roads.
See the impact and learn how to stay involved year-round >
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PUBLIC SURVEY
Fort Monroe Community Input Survey
Click the link below or scan the QR code to share your ideas for shaping the future of Fort Monroe. The survey will remain open until the end of June.
Share your input >
| | Public Input Opportunities | | The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) and Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) fully comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice, and related nondiscrimination statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. HRPDC's website, www.hrpdcva.gov, and HRTPO's website, www.hrtpo.org, may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. HRPDC public meetings are always held in ADA-accessible facilities and in transit-accessible locations when possible. Auxiliary services can be provided to individuals who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Requests made within seven days will be accommodated to the greatest extent possible. Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by HRPDC under Title VI has a right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint may be in writing and filed with the HRPDC and/or the appropriate state or federal agency within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. For more information on HRPDC's Title VI program, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, please call (757) 420-8300 or email: qmclaurin@hrpdcva.gov | | |
Phone: 757.420.8300
Fax: 757.523.4881
TTY: 757.390.2578
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