VDOT updates county on secondary six‑year plan, explains rural‑rustic road process

A Virginia Department of Transportation representative reviewed recent work and described how VDOT evaluates gravel roads for rural‑rustic improvement during the April 8 meeting.

The VDOT presenter said winter storm cleanup (fallen trees and limbs) generated many service calls and gave a construction update on paving and marking projects along Routes 639 and 638. He said VDOT is preparing materials for the county’s secondary six‑year plan and will follow up with county staff about road mileage data and a possible public hearing in April, with a resolution expected in June.

The representative explained rural‑rustic improvements (often used on low‑volume gravel roads) involve drainage improvements and chip‑seal surfacing — a layer of liquid binder and stone rolled into place — rather than full reconstruction. In contrast, constructing a new or heavily upgraded road requires subgrade excavation, multiple layers of compacted stone and several asphalt lifts, a higher‑cost approach used on primary routes. The presenter said rural‑rustic projects aim to control dust, improve drainage and provide a longer-lasting roadway surface where full reconstruction is not warranted.

Board members asked staff to clarify which local gravel roads might be eligible for rural‑rustic conversion under the county’s secondary plan. The VDOT representative said he would follow up with county staff about mileage details and public hearing logistics.