Community planning, advocacy and collaboration has led to several recent projects in the Mad River Valley that have increased village connectivity and safety. Waitsfield’s Village West Sidewalk project, due to be constructed summer 2021, will expand the village sidewalk, add two new crosswalks, and include bump outs for additional safety.
Following an October 2020 pedestrian tragedy in Waitsfield and increased usage of rural roads during the COVID-19 pandemic, pedestrian safety took on new urgency. In response to community feedback, Town of Waitsfield and MRVPD staff are working directly with the Vermont Dept. of Transportation (VTrans) to identify challenges and potential pedestrian safety improvements along Route 100.
For more information, see an update from the Town of Waitsfield here.
MRVPD worked with the Town, Local Motion, and VTrans to implement an in-street crosswalk signage pilot project at three locations for one month between June and July 2021. Presentation slides detailing the project results can be found here.
From "Wheels" to "Mad Bus"
In the early 1990s, the newly formed MRV TAC created a three-year pilot bus program with the goal of providing a Valley-wide and commuter bus system. In collaboration with MRVPD, Sugarbush and the MRV Chamber of Commerce, the MRV TAC crafted a Short Range Transit Plan that envisioned a cohesive, year-round Valley transit system.
The group sought grants with a funding structure comprised of 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local match contributions. The MRV TAC was initially denied by the Vermont Legislature because the state felt that the money was primarily benefiting the ski areas. MRV TAC members testified before the VT Senate, ultimately leading to agreement that public transit was sorely needed and serviced the greater good rather than simply providing funds to the ski areas. With funding, the local group was able to procure buses, find a service provider, and begin providing fare-free transit known as “Wheels.”
Green Mountain Transit (GMT) assumed provision of transit in the MRV in 2003, converting the Wheels program to the “Mad Bus,” a fare-free seasonal shuttle service that covers the Valley Floor and Sugarbush Ski area. This service continues today under a new name, the Mad River Valley Bus Service.
See the latest MRV Bus Service Ridership Report by GMT here.
State routes in Middlesex, Moretown, Waitsfield, Warren and Granville were granted National Scenic Byway designation from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation in 2008.
The subsequent MRV Scenic Byway stretches 36.5 miles through Middlesex, Moretown, Waitsfield, Buels Gore, Fayston, Warren and Granville via Routes 2, 100, 100B and 17. The Mad River Byway is one of 10 scenic roadways in Vermont recognized for its archeological, cultural, historic, natural recreational or scenic qualities. Designation made the area eligible for federally funded projects, such as roadside kiosks, interpretive signage, mapping and promotional material. The work was led through a MRV Byway Committee with technical support from MRVPD and the Central VT Regional Planning Commission.
For more information visit the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce website.
MRV Moves
The Mad River Valley Moves Active Transportation Plan details a framework for a consistent, cohesive and connected regional system of trails, roads and sidewalks that provide a range of transportation options and recreational experiences for all user groups in the MRV, all while connecting users to the natural landscape and respecting the resources that make the Valley so special.
The Plan was led by MRVPD and funded in partnership by the Vermont Agency of Transportation Strong Communities, Better Connections Program; Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development; the towns of Fayston, Moretown, Warren & Waitsfield; the MRV Rotary Club; and the MRV Chamber of Commerce.
What is Active Transportation?
Planning for active transportation means providing for safe and convenient opportunities for physically active travel. This is particularly relevant in communities such as the MRV, where traditionally 'recreational' trails and paths are more frequently used for transportation.
