Page 33 - High Knob Master Plan

IMPLEMENTATION
The sign concepts above are intended to be the platform for the larger system to be implemented over time by the HKRI, local communities, and other partners. The implementation recommendations below are listed in order of priority, and are covered in more detail in the implementation matrix portion of this report.
In order to create an effective system, the following steps should be executed:
1. Form a HKRI Wayfinding Technical Committee: This would be the planning and implementation committee to guide wayfinding throughout the region. It could potentially include the wayfinding subcommittee established in this High Knob Master Plan, but also needs representatives from key destination partners, transportation or civil engineers, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). This committee should be small and technical, and understand mapping, signage, and signage standards. While technical in nature, it will also need to be able to communicate the system and its designs to High Knob communities, including, at times, advocating for these communities to implement the system.
2. Complete Asset Inventory and Qualify Destinations: The HKRI wayfinding technical committee will first complete a list of all potential destinations to be signed within the region. These destinations would be qualified and ranked based on the criteria mentioned above and detailed on the destination ranking spreadsheet provided as part of this plan. Ultimately, Tier 1, 2 and 3 destinations will be established, which will prioritize those destinations that would receive signage, as well as inclusion and position on individual signs. As the High Knob Region grows, this list will need to be updated and maintained.
3. Destination Mapping: The destinations included on the qualified destinations list should be added to a map. This map will be the tool which will serve as the basis for the sign schedule. Depending on the committee’s access to mapping software, this map could be established in ArcGIS mapping systems, or even part of a simple online tool such as Google Maps. It should be noted that the map would be a planning tool for the purposes of wayfinding, as opposed to a tool for marketing and communication.
4. Establish Routes: Travel routes should be identified and mapped along with the destinations within the committee’s mapping system. There are three types of routes to consider when designing a wayfinding system:
» Primary Routes: These are the highest trafficked roads into a community or regional destination.
» Circulator Routes: These roads are most often used to get to and from major highways or interstates into communities, but are also used often by local traffic and commuters.
» Destination Routes: Primarily used to get from Primary or Circulator Route to a specific destination.
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Sign Locations: Using guidance from the wayfinding assessment, the committee should identify sign locations for wayfinding within the High Knob Region. Signs need to be located per MUTCD and other relevant specifications at key decision points where motorists need to be notified to make a turn. Signs can also be placed on long stretches of road to reassure the motorist they are headed in the correct direction.
Create Sign Schedule: Once sign locations have been mapped, a sign schedule spreadsheet should be created.
» Schedule will be based on location of destination, primary routes and circulation patterns, and can be determined based on system design, placement criteria, such as proximity from intersections, existing access points, etc.
» Sign schedule would include high and low speed trailblazers, gateway signage, and potentially trail signage, as conceptually designed as part of this plan.
» NOTE: All sign locations, designs, permitting and installation will require approval and coordination with VDOT.
HIGH KNOB REGIONAL INITIATIVE
CHAPTER 5: WAYFINDING 33