Special Studies | Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization

Washington County Transit Facility Expansion Feasibility Study (2025)

This project determined the existing space constraints and long-term (2050) needs of the current WCT facility. The study’s space needs analysis was then used to support the proposed facility expansion conceptual design and site layout requirements — inclusive of the City of Hagerstown’s Land Management Code and Stormwater Management Ordinance requirements – and identify any potential environmental impacts using a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) screening analysis approach.

Congestion Management Process (2024)

This Process was identified as a future recommended study in our Long Range Transportation Plan. The Congestion Management Process evaluates regional congestion trends using selected travel time performance measures, defining priority corridors, monitoring other modes of travel, assessing potential corridor strategies and evaluating the impacts of recently completed projects. The CMP will also support decision-making and facilitate the integration of congestion management strategies into planning and programming processes.

Regional Safety Action Plan (2024)

The purpose of this Plan is to establish an Action Plan to identify safety needs to reach zero fatalities or to achieve significant decline in roadway fatalities and serious injuries. The Safety Action Plan (SAP) will serve as the foundation local jurisdictions to qualify for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) implementation grants included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The goal of the plan will focus on the development of well-defined strategies and its implementation for all users of our region’s highways, streets, and roadways, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, and commercial vehicle operators. This Plan was adopted by HEPMPO’s Policy Board on May 15, 2024.

Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2023)

This plan identifies the critical regional bicycle and pedestrian needs and priorities for the HEPMPO region. Key components of the plan include evaluation of current pedestrian and bicycle facilities, comfort levels, network gaps and key linkages for connectivity in the active transportation system, recommendations and funding opportunities. Public input through interactive web surveys played a large role in the development of project ideas and strategies.

Regional Freight Plan (2023)

Growth in the region continues with warehouse developments, expansion in e-commerce and goods movement, and the region’s favorable location and position on the national interstate system. This freight plan helps provide guidance to maintaining and improving the regional multimodal freight transportation system. The plan includes a regional freight profile, regional economic analysis, identification of critical freight corridors and an action plan.

Dual Highway Speed Management Study (2022)

The Dual Highway Speed Management Study’s goals aimed to identify safety recommendations to reduce traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities, such as additional lighting, curb extensions and a new pedestrian mid-block crossing. This Study was one of the recommendations for further investigation in the 2020 Hagerstown Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Area Plan. The study limits are from Cannon Avenue east to Cleveland Avenue along US40/Dual Highway in the City of Hagerstown. Turn movements, pedestrian counts, traffic analysis, land use context and signal timing were all evaluated.

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EPTA Commuter Bus Service Implementation Plan (2022)

The Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) and the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) conducted a commuter bus service feasibility study that would connect Martinsburg and Ranson areas to the Ashburn VA Metrorail Silver Line extension. With feasibility demonstrated, this service implementation plan focused on incorporating new commuter buses into the EPTA fleet, updating congestion mitigation and air quality analysis, identifying funding opportunities for startup operating funds, software integration and providing support for marketing and public outreach.

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WV9 Planning and Environmental Linkages Feasibility Study (2021)

The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH), Planning Division initiated the implementation of Planning-Environmental Linkages (PEL), with HEPMPO assisting local coordination. The purpose of this study is to initiate the review of WV 9 upgrade, while incorporating a broad environmental overview into the planning stages of the project development. The WV 9 Project Area has seen population growth and development since a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared in 1996. Traffic and safety assessment, alternative corridors, public input and preliminary screening comprised this study’s development. All alternatives were recommended to be advanced to the next stage of the NEPA process.

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WV9 Planning and Environmental Linkages Feasibility Study (2021)

WV45/Martinsburg Pike Corridor Vision Plan (2021)

The Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) is supporting the Corporation of Shepherdstown by developing the WV45/Martinsburg Pike Corridor Vision Plan. The Martinsburg Pike corridor has been identified by HEPMPO for needed safety improvements and as a growth area for Jefferson County. The study’s overall goals are to: 1) Improve accessibility to downtown Shepherdstown, businesses, residential neighborhoods, the university, and adjacent amenities, 2) Improve vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle safety and 3) Enhance economic development along the corridor. Utilizing concept and guidelines from WVDOT’s Corridor Management Handbook, the 2013 WV Complete Streets Act, and public input, a sketch-level corridor plan with different alternatives and supporting analysis was developed.

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WV45/Martinsburg Pike Corridor Vision Plan (2021)

WV51 Feasibility Study (2021)

The purpose of this study was to determine feasibility of traffic safety and pedestrian mobility improvements throughout the WV51 corridor between Norfolk Southern RR crossing and West Street in the City of Charles Town. This plan was developed by WV Department of Transportation (WVDOT) in partnership with the City of Charles Town and the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO. Pedestrian safety and mobility analysis included feasibility of sidewalk installation, review of existing sidewalk width, ADA accessibility, obstacles, traffic calming, existing on-street parking, right-of-way research and an evaluation of mid-block crossing at Evitts Run Park. Traffic safety component included intersection analysis of WV51/CR13 with consideration of reconfiguring to a roundabout, as well as reviewing crash data to determine any appropriate countermeasures. All three alternatives evaluated exhibited an improvement compared to the No Build option and were recommended to be advanced to the next stage of the NEPA process.

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United States Bicycle Route 11 Designation Study (2020)

The United States Bicycle Route System is a national network of interstate bicycle routes that uses a combination of existing roads and trails to connect riders with places of interest. Routes are planned with the touring cyclist in mind, meaning one who is generally fit for long-distance travel by bicycle. Successful implementation of a route provides local economic benefit through bicycle tourism while promoting personal and environmental health and wellness. This study proposed three alternative routes based on desktop review of the existing road and trail network. These routes were then vetted and refined through a public involvement process and field reconnaissance. The refined routes were then analyzed with a route planning tool developed specifically for this project and the conditions inherent to the area. Results of this analysis were then taken back to the public for review, revision, and buy-in.

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United States Bicycle Route 11 Designation Study (2020)

Hagerstown Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Area Plan (2020)

The purpose of the Hagerstown Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Area Plan (BPPAP) was to develop a matrix-based, strategic plan to identify bicycle and pedestrian existing needs, safety concerns, challenges,
and potential improvements within the study area. This Plan was developed by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) in partnership with the City of Hagerstown and the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO. Existing conditions of roadways, bicycle facilities and pedestrian facilities were assessed, along with analysis of recent crash history. Assessments and analysis led to site-specific recommendations, identification of best practices, detailed discussion on sidewalks and facility-type descriptions.

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Hagerstown Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Area Plan (2020)

I-81 & I-70 Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO) Plan (2020)

The Interstate 81 and Interstate 70 Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Plan complements on-going interstate planning and construction efforts in Washington County. Both I-81 and I-70 are priority freight corridors, experience on-going construction activities and have a history of weather related travel impacts and severe accidents. This plan identifies non-capacity adding strategies to help optimize traffic flow during recurring and non-recurring congestion on existing facilities. As capital funding for capacity expansion of the interstates continues to be pursued, this plan focuses on three different categories of strategies for implementation: (1) geometric and safety improvements, (2) traffic flow and signals and (3) intelligent transportation systems (ITS) expansion.

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I-81 & I-70 Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO) Plan (2020)

EPTA Commuter Bus Service Analysis (2020)

Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) and HEPMPO investigated the feasibility to implement commuter bus service connection from the Martinsburg and Ranson/Charles Town areas to the new Silver Line Metro Station in Ashburn, VA. A transit market analysis was completed for potential enhancement opportunities to determine reasonable estimates for total potential riders. This analysis also provides proposed routes, sample schedules to the morning and evening commutes, cost estimates for the service, and performance measures to evaluate the commuter service.

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Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority Commuter Bus Service Analysis (2020)

Foxcroft Avenue Pedestrian Road Safety Assessment (2020)

The purpose of this Road Safety Assessment (RSA) was to study and suggest methods to improve pedestrian safety on Foxcroft Avenue in Martinsburg. The Federal Highway Administration supported the RSA through the Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) program. STEP is an innovation of the Every Day Counts (EDC) (Rounds 4 and 5) initiative seeking cost-effective countermeasures to provide safer crossings for all pedestrians. Foxcroft was selected per the request of the City of Martinsburg and in consultation with HEPMPO and WVDOT. The RSA Team identified several short-term and mid-term improvements for pedestrian safety along the corridor.

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Foxcroft Avenue Pedestrian Road Safety Assessment (2020)

Weverton Railroad Crossing Feasibility Study (2019)

The Weverton Railroad Crossing Feasibility Study identified potential solutions for the safe crossing of the CSX railroad at the Weverton, MD crossing site that links the C&O Canal National Historical Park and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail along the Potomac River. Working with partners National Park Service, CSX, Maryland State Highway Administration, Maryland Division of Natural Resources and Washington County, alternatives and preliminary designs were developed. for at-grade and grade-separated options. Environmental screening, GIS analysis, cost estimates, trail and train counts were part of this effort, as well as a public input and comments.

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Weverton Railroad Crossing Feasibility Study (2019)

HEPMPO Regional Traffic Safety Study (2019)

HEPMPO’s Regional Traffic Safety Study built upon the Maryland and the West Virginia Strategic Highway Safety Plans. HEPMPO’s Long Range Plan provided a preliminary evaluation of crash rates and crash severity and identified high need corridors and intersections. Further study evaluated the causes of crashes at these locations and recommend safety improvements. Development of this study included mapping, stakeholder coordination, analysis of historical crash data to identify recurring trends and contributing factors, public meetings and input. As part of this study Road Safety Audits (RSAs) evaluated existing conditions on three separate high crash corridors and provided short- and long-term solutions.

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HEPMPO Regional Traffic Safety Study (2019)

MARC Comparative Analysis (2018)

The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train serves West Virginia weekdays at three stations. Concerns over continued funding sources for existing services led HEPMPO to work with their consultants to develop a comparative evaluation in terms of organization, ridership, structure and agreements of peer regional rail commuter systems that cross state lines. Six peer systems were reviewed and perceived advantages and disadvantages of the multi-jurisdictional arrangements were documented. The results include general observations and considerations specific to MARC’s system.

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Novak Drive Connector Study (2018)

HEPMPO, in conjunction with WVDOH and their consultants, evaluated the need for a new access road between WV9 and Novak Drive in Berkeley County. The study’s objective was to identify planning considerations and environmental features prior to entering a preliminary design and National Environmental Policy Act phase. This Connector Study discusses project need, identifies potential alternative corridors, performs traffic analysis, reviews possible environmental concerns and includes public input.

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WV45 Traffic Operations and Safety Study (2016)

WVDOH and their consultants developed the WV 45 (Apple Harvest Drive) Traffic Operations & Safety Study to evaluate current and future traffic conditions, identify potential deficiencies, and develop alternative improvements to enhance traffic flow and safety along the corridor. The corridor study area extended from Blue Ridge Community & Technical College and east to New York Avenue in Martinsburg. HEPMPO assisted WVDOH in securing local input at review meetings with City of Martinsburg and Berkeley County staff, as well coordinating an informational public meeting on the study’s preliminary analysis and findings.

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WV45 Traffic Operations and Safety Study (2016)

EPTA Bus Transfer Point Study (2016)

Concerns over several operational issues and public transit ridership growth identified in EPTA’s Transit Development Plan lead to this study’s development and its aim to identify a new site for a bus transfer station in the City of Martinsburg. Partnering with the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority, City of Martinsburg, Berkeley County Council, and the West Virginia Division of Transit this study examined nine potential sites providing detailed site analysis, evaluated traffic flow and impacts, assessed proposed bus routes adjustments, estimated project costs and laid out an implementation strategy. In addition, a conceptual site layout and rendering was borne from the analysis addressing current and future public transit needs.

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Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority Bus Transfer Point Study (2016)

HEPMPO Regional Bicycle Plan (2016)

HEPMPO, along with partner organizations, state and local governments, community members and consultants, developed the regional bicycle plan to outline bicycle needs and priorities for the region, which includes a regional network map. The planning document identifies mobility and safety needs, evaluated existing conditions, recommends specific improvements for key linkages, and highlights anticipated costs and potential implementation funding sources.

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City of Hagerstown Bicycle Master Plan Update (2016)

Hagerstown is recognized as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” in Maryland and this updated plan seeks to build on the momentum generated by their 2010 Bicycle Master Plan. This was a collaborative effort between the City of Hagerstown and the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) that seeks to introduce new ways in which to evaluate the City’s existing and proposed bicycle infrastructure and amenities, specifically looking at bicycling comfort and potential demand, as well as identifying implementation strategies for priority projects.

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City of Hagerstown Bicycle Master Plan Update (2016)

Professional Boulevard Travel Modeling Study (2015)

HEPMPO and their consultants provided travel demand modeling support related to the Professional Boulevard traffic study conducted by Washington County Division of Engineering. The County requested additional modeling support to improve traffic forecasts within the project study area that includes sections of Eastern Boulevard, Robinwood Drive, Jefferson Boulevard (MD 64), and Dual Highway (US 40). This report includes newly forecasted traffic volumes for each key study area roadway section. Traffic forecasts were generated using travel modeling, traffic counts and procedures documented in NCHRP Report 255 – “Analytical Travel Forecasting Approaches for Project-Level Planning and Design.”

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Professional Boulevard Travel Modeling Study (2015)

US40 Dual Highway Pedestrian Road Safety Study and Audit (2015)

A pedestrian road safety audit (PRSA) is a formal procedure for assessing accident potential and safety performance for an existing roadway section. Following a number of pedestrian fatalities along the Dual Highway in Hagerstown Maryland, a PRSA review process was undertaken. The PRSA review process consisted of a multidisciplinary audit team of professionals representing City and County engineers and planners, SHA representatives from highway, planning and pedestrian sections, as well as City, County and State law enforcement, the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO and its consultants. The PRSA Team developed recommendations including both short-term improvements (i.e., low cost, quickly implementable) and long-term improvements (i.e., capital improvements, requiring engineering design) for implementation.

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US40 Dual Highway Pedestrian Road Safety Study and Audit (2015)

Northport Station Feasibility Study (2015)

Working with multiple private, state and local partners and landowners (the Northport Task Force), the Hagerstown/Eastern MPO and its consultants developed and presented this study to the City of Ranson. Northport Station is the proposed center-piece of a future smart growth transit-oriented development that will also replace the obsolete Duffields Stop on the MARC commuter rail system. This study performed site selection analysis on the Jefferson Orchards property, performed preliminary environmental screening, determined station design layouts and costs, ridership and traffic impacts and provided an implementation plan.

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Northport Station Feasibility Study (2015)

City of Charles Town Transportation Study (2014)

As part of their Comprehensive Plan Update process, the City of Charles Town partnered with the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO and their consultants to develop a municipal transportation study. This study looked at the impact of future household and employment growth on traffic conditions. Conclusions covered project recommendations and strategies to address forecasted congestion and transportation needs within the City’s urban growth boundary.

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City of Charles Town Transportation Study (2014)

US340 Corridor East Gateway Plan – Transportation Component (2012)

The Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO’s Direction 2035 Long Range Plan and Jefferson County’s 2004 Comprehensive Plan identified US340 as an important planning priority. In conjunction with the West Virginia Department of Transportation, a corridor plan for US340 between Charles Town and Harpers Ferry examining land use and transportation was developed. The MPO’s involvement focused on the Plan’s transportation component. The study utilized innovative online outreach to engage the public, and examined different hypothetical land use scenarios looking 25 years ahead and their impact on the current and future transportation system.

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US340 Corridor East Gateway Plan - Transportation Component (2012)

North Martinsburg Area Pedestrian Plan (2012)

Partnering with the Berkeley County Development Authority, Berkeley County Council and the City of Martinsburg, the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO assisted in the development of this pedestrian plan. The plan examines the opportunities to enhance the existing pedestrian network in the study area by inventorying existing land uses, pedestrian infrastructure, pedestrian barriers and pedestrian destinations. Opportunities were identified to help determine locations which would benefit from increased pedestrian infrastructure.

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North Martinsburg Area Pedestrian Plan (2012)

Cities of Ranson and Charles Town Transportation Development Fee Study (2011)

This study was developed with the Cities of Ranson and Charles Town, West Virginia Department of Transportation and the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO. The transportation development fee study included estimating a “build-out” growth scenario, analyzing roadway congestion needs, identifying potential transportation projects to address those needs, allocating project costs to new development, and estimating the fee structure for different land use types.

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