A month still remains for folks to submit comments on the search for a new location for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Hampton Roads District office.

The office currently sits at 1700 N. Main St., prime waterfront property that city leaders have eyed for redevelopment. Through a City Council resolution and General Assembly action carried by one of the city’s Senate representatives, they’ve asked VDOT to move elsewhere.

VDOT has issued a Request for Information to garner ideas on the development of a new campus-style office for the district, which would bring together three currently separate facilities.

“The office of the Secretary of Transportation is committed to ensuring Hampton Roads’ transportation needs are addressed proactively,” Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne Jr. stated in a press release. “The RFI will serve as the first step in reaching out to the private-sector experts, as well as the local governments. Competitive procurement will play a large role in adding best value for the commonwealth.”

“Both the Hampton Roads District staff and I are excited by the prospect of this study and potential development,” VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick stated in the release. “This is a great opportunity to learn about the potential of our existing riverfront location from the private sector and possibly secure a new campus-like facility from which we can more effectively and efficiently serve the citizens as well as the many visitors to the Hampton Roads region.”

More than 20 private firms met with VDOT last week to learn about requirements and options for relocating the offices and maintenance facilities. One possible location being floated is a 55-acre site the city’s Economic Development Authority owns near North Suffolk’s College Drive.

“There are no set solutions,” said James Loftus, project lead from OTP3, during the presentation. “While the RFI offers an example of a possible location in North Suffolk near College Drive, we don’t yet know if the site will meet our needs.”

All options — owning, leasing and leasing to own — are fair game for VDOT, Loftus said.

Private partners are not required to submit an idea to participate later in the process.

For more information or to comment on the project through June 16, visit www.vappta.org/proposed_vdot_hampton_roads_district_office_campus.asp.