VDOT update: three rural-rustic roads to be surfaced; Sandy River bridge scour repaired

A Virginia Department of Transportation representative updated the Prince Edward County Board on rural-rustic paving projects and bridge work, saying crews have placed base stone on three gravel-to-hard-surface projects — Junction Canal, Quail Crossing and Rice Creek — and will begin surface paving once base stone is complete.

VDOT said crews placed about 1,200 tons of base stone on Junction Canal in a single day and expected to finish base placement there late in the week, then move crews to Quail Crossing. Rice Creek has base stone down and is awaiting surface.

The presenter reported that Sandy River Road had been closed July 30–Sept. 4 after routine inspection found scour that exposed timber pilings beneath a bridge pier. The contractor excavated, encapsulated the pilings with concrete and armored the bank with riprap; the bridge reopened. The representative also said on Route 360 crews are shifting traffic onto an older railroad bridge (the westbound structure) as an interim measure because a bridge inspection indicated an upcoming weight restriction on the eastbound span; the eastbound bridge will be removed and replaced later, and the temporary traffic pattern should avoid a near-term weight restriction.

The VDOT representative outlined additional routine work (pothole repairs, mowing) and said the project contract completion date for surface work is Oct. 27. Supervisors asked staff to follow up on shoulder repairs and tree-trimming requests raised during the meeting.