Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Streetscape topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County staff seek board OK to apply for VDOT grant for Fork Union streetscape crosswalks and ADA ramps
Summary
Staff asked the Board of Supervisors whether to proceed with a VDOT Transportation Alternatives application to build two crosswalk/ADA-access points and related sidewalk connections in Fork Union; estimated project cost is $513,005.23 with a required 20% non‑federal match and applications due Sept. 15.
County staff asked the Board of Supervisors whether to proceed with a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Transportation Alternatives application to construct two crosswalks, ADA ramps and short sidewalk connections in Fork Union.
The application would fund spot improvements on U.S. 15: a crosswalk near Pitaposter Lane across from the academy and another near the entrance to Fork Union Pharmacy and South Italian restaurant, plus connector sidewalk work. Staff reported an estimated project cost of $513,005.23 assuming the work can be delivered as a “no‑plan” project (concept sketches and limited surveying rather than full engineering plans). VDOT staff told staff they are comfortable that the scope could qualify as a no‑plan project but that verification was pending.
The program is federally funded and administered through VDOT; staff reiterated the program requires a minimum 20 percent non‑federal match. Based on the budget presented, roughly $410,000 would be federal funds and $103,000 would be the county match (rounded from the budget figure shown in the meeting).
Timing and approvals: staff said the application is due through VDOT’s SMART Portal by 5 p.m. on Sept. 15. If the county proceeds and is selected, the Commonwealth Transportation Board would approximately approve awards in summer 2026 and execution of grant agreements would follow thereafter (staff gave an approximate multi‑year timeline on record that included preliminary engineering starting roughly July 2027, potential right‑of‑way acquisition beginning circa July 2029, and construction roughly June 2030). Staff also noted that once a grant agreement is signed the locality generally has four years to put the project under construction according to VDOT rules.
Discussion vs. decision: staff sought direction from the board whether to move forward with the application and asked the board to adopt a resolution if it wants to proceed; the resolution must be submitted with the application. The board did not take a recorded roll‑call vote on the application at this meeting.
Why it matters: the project would add pedestrian crossings and ADA access at two locations on a busy corridor and tie into VDOT’s planned sidewalk maintenance work elsewhere in the village; VDOT told staff it expects to rehabilitate remaining sidewalks in the area under its maintenance program. If the board declines to apply this cycle, the next Transportation Alternatives application opportunity would be in 2027.
What's next: staff requested a board decision to proceed and, if approved, will prepare the resolution and finalize the application narrative and budget for submission by Sept. 15.
