Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Resident Engineer David Clarke addressed the Montgomery Board of Supervisors with an update on county transportation maintenance and projects at the board meeting Monday, Feb. 12.
Clarke said some projects have been met with satisfaction while others are still a matter of concern.
According to Clarke, recent immediate concerns for VDOT have focused on weather-related events such as snow and rain, filling in potholes on paved and unpaved roads, and adding stone to roads where needed.
For future discussion, Clarke also mentioned the time is drawing near for the six-year plan and associated public hearing.
“We were going to set that for April 8th, if it agrees with everyone that works out at a good time,” Clarke said.
A few board members requested additional information on road or other transportation projects in their representative districts.
Supervisor Sara Bohn requested an update on Mill Point Road, to which Clarke responded that this project has been completed. Clarke added VDOT had spoken with a resident in that area following recent rains and “the drainage has worked out well.”
Supervisor Todd King requested an update on the Union Valley and Route 8 review due to concerns of congestion and accidents.
According to Clarke the review has been completed and no recommendations have been made at this time to make changes to the area.
“Have they been out there in the mornings when kids are trying to get to school?” King asked.
“Will you request that they go out there in the morning?”
Clarke did not know what time of day the study was completed but said he would look into it.
King also requested additional information on a large pothole located at the intersection of Tyler Road and Stanley Road.
Clarke said VDOT is looking at this problem to find the best solution since it is a large pothole with some drainage issues.
“It will take some coordination with the house, I think they run a business out of there as well,” Clarke said. “We can bring that entrance and tie it into Stanley, or continue it the way it is, leave it the way it is, but that gives us two entrances off of Tyler Road which is kind of awkward.”
Lastly, King requested an update on the drainpipe located on Poff School Road in Riner. Clarke confirmed VDOT has looked at the condition, but he has not received an update yet.
Vice Chair Steve Fijalkowski asked Clarke for an update on Craig Mountain Road study that is ongoing.
“Yes, that came back. I believe there was no recommendation for a speed change on that,” Clarke said. “I’ll double-check and make sure I have the documentation on that, and we’ll get in contact with the citizen that requested it.”
Fijalkowski also discussed a previous citizen request for a crossover at Cove Hollow Road.
“A citizen makes a good case that it could possibly be safer to have one there,” Fijalkowski said. “I’m not sure, I know traffic flies pretty quickly down through that stretch.”
Designing for a previously approved intersection at Alleghany Springs and Route 460 in Shawsville has begun, according to Clarke. As of now, Clarke does not think a date has been set for construction.
“That will definitely be welcomed there,” Fijalkowski said. “I think the only turn lane that’s there is on the westbound side and is about 20 feet long, maybe.”
Clarke welcomed the new board members with an invitation to reach out to his office with any questions or concerns. He said there is a manual for Board of Supervisors, of which he would try to get copies to them. The manual lays out processes, information on the six-year plan, and other important information, which is also available on the VDOT website.
