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Understanding How and Why Virginians Travel

The Travel Markets Element analyzes trip patterns and purpose across regions to identify mid-term transportation needs and support smarter planning decisions.

VTrans Travel Markets

VTrans identifies Mid-term Needs and Priority locations for these three travel markets:
  • Corridors of Statewide Significance (CoSS)
  • Regional Networks (RN)
  • Urban Development Areas (UDAs)
This is done in-line with Virginia State Code § 33.2-353. In addition to the three markets, VTrans evaluates all public roadways and identifies safety needs.
On This Page
VTrans Travel Markets by the Numbers
Characteristics of VTrans Travel Markets

Each travel market is associated with unique characteristics, system users, and travel patterns.

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Number
12
Definition
An integrated, multimodal network of transportation facilities that connects major centers of activity within and through the Commonwealth, and promotes the movement of people and goods essential to the economic prosperity of the state. These corridors include highways, rail lines, seaports, and airport facilities.
Purpose
Inter-regional (travel between regions) and interstate travel.
Established

December 17, 2009 - 11 CoSS established as part of VTrans2035.

May 18, 2011 - 12th corridor added.

Characteristics
1. Multimodal - must involve multiple modes of travel or must be an extended freight corridor.
2. Connectivity - must connect regions, states, and/or major activity centers.
3. High volume - must involve a high volume of travel.
4. Function - must provide a unique statewide function and/or address statewide goals.
Number
15
Definition
Based on designated Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) within the Commonwealth. If an MPO boundary includes only a portion of a county, the entire county will be included in the needs area.
Purpose
Intra-regional travel (travel within a region).
Established

December 9, 2015

Characteristics
1. At least 50,000 people across the space of at least two jurisdictions.
2. Per 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) Five-year Estimate, 87% of Virginia's population is in the 15 RNs.

Urban Development Areas (UDAs)

Number
230, including pending (as of November 2019).
Definition
Designated growth areas based on local initiatives pursuant to § 15.2-2223.1.
Purpose
To the extent possible, to direct federal, state and local transportation, housing, water and sewer facility, economic development, and other public infrastructure funding or efficient transportation infrastructure.
Established

Ongoing, per local government designation in Comprehensive Plan.

UDA Factsheet

Industrial and Economic Development Areas (IEDAs)

Number
535 (as of November 2019).
Definition
Locally-identified industrial and economic development sites pursuant to § 2.2-2238 and consistent with Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)’s Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP).
Purpose
To the extent possible, to direct federal, state and local transportation, housing, water and sewer facility, economic development, and other public infrastructure funding for efficient transportation infrastructure.
Established
Ongoing
Number
N/A
Definition
Safety analysis for the entire roadway network in the Commonwealth.
Purpose
Improve roadway safety per Board's Goals.
Established
2015
Characteristics
1. Risk and evidence based safety assessment.
Explore VTrans Travel Markets

VTrans travel markets can be viewed using the map widget below. Use InteractVTrans MapExplorer to print, download, or comment. Statistics associated with the VTrans travel market can be found on the interactive visualization app InteractVTrans DataExplorer.

To query, print, download, or comment, visit InteractVTrans MapExplorer. For infographics, visit InteractVTrans DataExplorer
Frequently Asked Questions

Have more VTrans questions? Find answers on our FAQ page.

A Corridor of Statewide Significance (CoSS) is a group of roadways, rail lines, and other facilities that support travel between regions in Virginia and beyond. There are twelve CoSS in the state.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) designates and studies these multimodal corridors. This is required under the Code of Virginia § 33.2-353.

You can learn more on the VTrans Travel Markets page. To view or download CoSS components, use the InteractVTrans MapExplorer.

Regional Networks (RNs) are Virginia’s major economic regions. They are based on areas covered by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). An MPO is created in any urbanized area with a population greater than 50,000.

RNs include the full county boundaries of any county that is partly inside an MPO.

You can learn more on the VTrans Travel Markets page. To view or download RNs, use the InteractVTrans MapExplorer.

Activity Centers are areas of regional importance. They have a high density of economic and social activity and are linked to the Regional Networks (RNs).

They were identified through input from stakeholders.

You can learn more and view them on the InteractVTrans MapExplorer.

Activity Centers are areas with a high density of economic and social activity. To classify them, VTrans analyzed the number and type of jobs in each center. Jobs were grouped into three clusters:

  • Freight-Dependent: Most activity relies on freight transportation.
  • Local-Serving: Most activity serves the local population.
  • Knowledge-Based: Activity depends on skilled labor and serves a broader market than Virginia.

Each Activity Center was assigned to the cluster with the largest share of jobs. For example, if 20% of jobs are freight-dependent, 60% are local-serving, and 20% are knowledge-based, the center is classified as Local-Serving.

You can view or download Activity Centers on the InteractVTrans MapExplorer.

The Urban Development Area (UDA) Travel Market includes two types of growth areas:

1. Growth Areas under Virginia Code § 15.2-2223.1

  • Any city, county, or town with zoning authority may designate UDAs.
  • Designation is voluntary.
  • UDAs must follow traditional neighborhood design (TND) principles, such as:
    • Pedestrian-friendly road design
    • New streets connected to existing streets
    • Strong road and pedestrian networks
    • Preservation of natural areas
    • Mixed-use neighborhoods with a variety of housing types
    • Affordable housing that matches future family income needs
    • Smaller building setbacks
    • Narrower subdivision streets and smaller turning radii at intersections

2. Industrial and Economic Development Areas (IDEAs)

  • These are local sites submitted to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for the Virginia Business Ready Site Program (VBRSP).
  • Sites must be tier 3 or higher.
  • Tiers show business readiness:
    • Tier 1: Raw land with interested seller
    • Tier 2: Site controlled and marketed for development
    • Tier 3: Zoned for industry or commercial use, due diligence complete
    • Tier 4: Certified as infrastructure ready
    • Tier 5: Shovel ready, permits in place

You can learn more on the VTrans Travel Markets page. To view or download UDAs and IDEA sites, use the InteractVTrans MapExplorer.

Urban Development Areas (UDAs) are designated by localities in Virginia. This includes counties, cities, and towns with their own zoning authority.

A UDA is created through an amendment to the local Comprehensive Plan.

For step-by-step guidance, see the How to Designate a UDA Fact Sheet.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) sets and updates the readiness status for IEDA sites. Updates are made when VEDP receives new information.

If you need to update the readiness status or other site details, contact VEDP directly.