Fredericksburg Launches Search For Firm To Study New Courtland Drive Connector

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The City of Fredericksburg is seeking proposals from engineering firms to conduct a transportation study for a proposed new roadway connecting Courtland Drive and Learning Lane, a project city officials say is intended to improve safety and mobility around the city's growing Learning Campus.

The city issued a Request for Proposals on Monday for the Courtland Drive Connector Study, which will examine planning-level concepts, traffic impacts and cost estimates for a new multimodal east-west connection between the two roads. Proposals are due by 2 p.m. on Aug. 31. An optional virtual pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Aug. 17, with written questions due by 4 p.m. on Aug. 19.

Improving Access To Fredericksburg's Learning Campus

According to the RFP, the proposed connector is intended to provide safer access to the city's Learning Campus, home to Lafayette Elementary School and Gladys West Elementary School, which opened in fall 2025. City officials also say the project is designed to improve transportation options for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists in the southern part of Fredericksburg. The completed study is expected to support future applications for engineering, construction and Safe Routes to School funding.

The study area is identified in the city's 2025 comprehensive plan, FXBG Forward!, and advances a City Council priority to improve multimodal transportation connectivity. The RFP notes that the surrounding neighborhoods currently have limited street connections, few sidewalks and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, forcing most traffic—including school traffic—onto Lafayette Boulevard and U.S. Route 1. Students walking or biking currently lack safe routes to the schools, according to the document.

Study Will Examine Multiple Transportation Improvements

The selected engineering firm will be tasked with evaluating a wide range of transportation improvements, including:

• A new multimodal connection between Courtland Drive and Learning Lane.
• Complete Streets concepts for existing and new roadways.
• Sidewalks, bicycle facilities and a shared-use path to improve school access.
• Intersection improvements at Lafayette Boulevard and Courtland Drive/Hillcrest Drive, U.S. Route 1 and Learning Lane, and the proposed connector's intersections.
• Traffic calming measures, parking impacts, signal timing and pedestrian safety improvements, including the possible use of Lead Pedestrian Intervals at signalized intersections.

The consultant also will be required to develop at least two alignment alternatives for the connector, prepare conceptual designs for the preferred option and analyze future traffic conditions with and without the new roadway. The work will also include planning-level construction cost estimates and materials needed for a future Safe Routes to School grant application.

Public Input Planned

The city is requiring the selected consultant to develop a public outreach strategy, hold at least one community meeting and coordinate with Fredericksburg City Public Schools and Spotsylvania County because of the project's proximity to the city-county line.

Under the proposed schedule, the traffic analysis would be completed within 60 days of a notice to proceed, conceptual design work within 120 days, followed by public outreach and preparation of a final report with cost estimates and grant application materials.

The city expects to award a one-year professional services contract following its evaluation and negotiation process.

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