County posts 60% design for Smithfield intersection; public hearing, right‑of‑way and drainage highlighted

Jamie Oliver, Isle of Wight County transportation administrator, briefed the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 6 on the Smithfield intersection project and the county’s 60% design package ahead of a scheduled public hearing.

Oliver said the 60% plan introduces a second through lane in each direction through the intersection, extends left‑turn lanes and adds a separate right‑turn lane in several approaches. “So this we're getting 2 new lanes from what we already have,” Oliver said, describing the conversion of an existing right‑turn lane to an additional through lane and the lengthening of left‑turn storage.

The nut: the project will require right‑of‑way acquisition in several parcels, include storm‑water drainage improvements and a proposed storm‑water pond near Quail Street; the county has…