Lori Graham
Contributing writer
MONTGOMERY CO. – David Clarke with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) updated the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors (BOS) on current projects currently happening or projected to occur soon in the Montgomery County region.
During the April 14 BOS meeting, Clarke explained residents can expect to see the continuation of storm debris cleanup, along with patching and paving projects of roads in several communities of the county. At the start of his presentation, Clarke specifically mentioned areas of Catawba Road, Tyler Road in Shawsville, Old Town Road, Blue Springs Road, and a portion of Mount Tabor Road.
“Service treatment schedule is also fairly robust. We’ve got about three and a half miles of Yellow Sulphur Road, about three miles of Fairview Church, some of Craig Mountain, and then a smaller slurry seal schedule, some in the subdivision,” Clarke said.
Pipe replacement and overlay are also on the agenda.
“We are also working with Blacksburg Police for a concert taking place in early May-Metallica. Small show, it’s going to hopefully not mess up 460 traffic much, we can get them on campus and off pretty quick, but we are attending all the meetings for the concert,” Clarke said.
Following Clarke’s presentation, supervisors had the opportunity to ask about specific areas of concern in their represented areas of the county.
Supervisor Anthony Grafsky requested additional information from Clarke concerning how long it takes for VDOT requests that are submitted to see repairs completed for such things as potholes. Clarke said that VDOT staff do try to respond quickly to any road issues that are severe in nature or show a safety risk; however, they also try to stay on top of the overlay schedule.
“It needs it everywhere at the exact same time…so it just depends on the issue itself,” Clarke said.
Supervisor Todd King requested an update on the Childress Road speed limit sign in Riner.
“They’re studying that, and the other one is Dry Valley too. The Dry Valley one there was not a speed limit already there, we talked about maybe there was, there was one before and it had gotten moved or knocked down or something,” Clarke said. “They are going to have do a study on that one too.”
King also mentioned large potholes on Camp Cary’s Brook Road and repairs on the road of Chestnut Ridge, which Clarke noted for later review.
Supervisor Derek Kitts requested additional information, due to a request from a citizen, about Bobcat Lane. Clarke said that road is currently in the lineup to receive some attention from VDOT maintenance crews.
Nellie’s Cave Road, according to Supervisor Sara Bohn, is in need of pothole repair on the county side of the street.
“We’ve got some pretty serious potholes popping up on Allegheny Springs…after you pass the Bluffs on the right, on the southbound lane,” Supervisor Steve Fijalkowski said. A request for a study on Flick Drive was also requested, Fijalkowski said. “It is dangerous, and I know there’s a 35-mph warning signs that are up, but it may be time to lower the speed limit through that area.”
Drainage at the intersection approaching Eastern Montgomery High School has been under discussion also, according to Fijalkowski, with pooling water. Plans for Clarke and the Supervisor to meet will be made.
Wake Forest Road needs some consideration and maintenance, according to Supervisor April DeMotts. Additionally, a concerned citizen contacted the county about an area of Pilot Road located near the consolidated site that has debris stacked on one side making vehicle passing more difficult on the two-lane road. “After the storms they came through and cut the brush, but it’s stacked in the road and kind of coming into the roadway,” DeMotts said.
Bohn questioned whether Mountain Valley Pipeline is providing reimbursement for maintenance and repairs needed on Catawba Road and Mount Tabor Road from the road’s additional use. Clarke responded that they have multiple counties involved in this project, but he would check into it.
