The Southside Planning District Commission (SPDC) provides transportation planning assistance to the three counties and twelve towns located in the region.  Planning activities are guided by the SPDC's Transportation Technical Advisory Committee, composed of local representatives, VDOT officials and Commission staff.

Each year a Rural Transportation Planning Work Program is adopted by the Planning District Commission, which identifies numerous transportation projects and other technical assistance to be provided.  Examples of past and on-going work include: Regional Long Range Transportation Plan; Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Plans; Prepare and Assist with Transportation Grants; Assistance with Transportation Elements in Comprehensive Plans; and Utilization of GIS and GPS Equipment for Transportation Related Projects.

pdf FY 2019 Rural Transportation Planning Work Program (505 KB) Adopted in 2011, the Regional Long Range Transportation Plan (RLRTP) was the result of a partnership between VDOT and the SPDC to evaluate the rural transportation system in the region and to recommend a range of improvements that would best satisfy existing and future transportation needs.  The plan was ultimately incorporated into Virginia's 2035 State Highway Plan which identifies needs and recommends solutions for the Commonwealth's interstate and primary highway systems.

pdf 2035 Regional Long Range Transportation Plan (7.60 MB)

Planning efforts have begun on an update to the RLRTP.  The 2040 version will include updated information on demographics, an inventory of transportation systems, recommended improvements to all modes of transportation, and the prioritization of projects through a scoring system.  More information on this update will be posted as it becomes available.

Currently there are two plans that address bicycle, pedestrian and trail planning in the region.  They include: Halifax County Trails, Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (2004) and the Lake Country Bicycle, Pedestrian & Trails Plan (2007).  Both plans set forth goals and strategies to continue in the development of a network of on-road bicycle and off-road shared use recreational trails within Brunswick, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties.  The bicycle and trails system has been designed to maximize the region's rich history and natural assets, take advantage of old abandoned railroad lines, and identify ways to increase the awareness of, and safety issues regarding, "sharing the road" with bicycles and other non-motorized modes of transportation.

SPDC staff are in the early stages of preparing to update and consolidate the two existing bicycle, pedestrian and trails plans into on comprehensive regional plan.  More information on this update will be posted as it becomes available.
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