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VDOT update: multiple bridge, turn‑lane and resurfacing projects underway; county to advertise secondary plan hearing
Summary
VDOT staff updated the board on multiple local projects — CSX crossing upgrades, bridge replacements on Route 638, turn lanes at major intersections, and Smart Scale awards for safety improvements — and noted the county will advertise the secondary six‑year plan public hearing.
A VDOT representative briefed the Board of Supervisors on a slate of road projects and maintenance activities affecting Caroline County, including federally funded crossing and bridge work, turn‑lane installations and a 2026 resurfacing schedule.
Project highlights: The representative said CSX is upgrading the Panola Road rail crossing to a quad gate and additional lights, with construction expected to finish this summer and minimal closures anticipated; Route 638 (Bridal over South River) is in full replacement using State of Good Repair Program federal funds with detours on Ladysmith and Page Road and anticipated completion in fall 2025; VDOT completed a 250‑foot right turn lane at US‑301/Route 608 in front of a convenience site and planned striping for the lane in the current month; another short turn lane on Route 676 to Route 207 (near the high school) is planned using secondary six‑year‑plan funds and may be costed into the county’s upcoming secondary plan.
Smart Scale results and local priorities: Two Smart Scale projects on U.S. 1 (Paige Marie and the Lake Caroline intersection) were highlighted as highly rated and recommended for state funding (one described as the highest rated in the state). The Lake Caroline project was recommended for roughly $7 million in state funding to construct turn lanes and improve site distance. VDOT staff encouraged residents and supervisors to attend CTB and public involvement meetings (May 6 and June CTB meeting dates were mentioned) to support the applications.
Maintenance updates and requests: VDOT staff reported emergency pipe replacements on Guinea Station Road and Panola Road following failures in March, reported 455 potholes patched since January 1 and said resurfacing lists for 2026 had been submitted for various primaries and secondaries (Route 1 between 207 and Goinsville and sections of Route 2 among others). Mowing schedules and litter pickup plans were discussed, with a goal to complete cycles before July 4.
Why it matters: The projects aim to relieve congestion, reduce crash risk at high‑use intersections and address urgent safety and pavement failures. Several supervisors asked for design details, shoulder upgrades on Reuther Glen Road, and shorter‑term shoulder fixes to address tractor‑trailer damage to shoulders.
Next steps: VDOT staff will provide additional detail on turn‑lane lengths and right‑of‑way status, coordinate public‑hearing advertisements for the county’s secondary six‑year plan and follow up on requested shoulder and drainage reviews; supervisors encouraged the public to attend May 6 (local VDOT office) and the CTB meeting in June to support Smart Scale projects.
Ending: Board members thanked VDOT staff for the update and asked staff to follow up on action items including a more precise turn‑lane length estimate and shoulder improvement plans for trouble spots.
