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Caroline County says West broadband project complete; East work continues with CSX crossing and pole checks
Summary
County IT director reports completion of Verizon-led western build covering 815 addresses and progress on eastern build, where 53 of 439 fiber miles are in place and potential delays hinge on one CSX railroad crossing and remaining pole attachments.
David Sadler, director of information technology for Caroline County and project manager for the county’s broadband expansion, told the county on April 21 that the Verizon-led western project is complete and that work continues on the larger eastern build, where crossings and electric pole attachments are the primary risks to the schedule.
The Caroline West project reached service availability for all 815 addresses in March 2025, Sadler said, and the county recognized Verizon for its performance at the Board of Supervisors’ April 8 meeting. The West build is a 100% fiber-optic network of more than 62 fiber miles, uses a next-generation optical line terminal capable of supporting up to 2 gigabits per second, and opened its first addresses for sale in January 2024.
The Caroline East project remains underway, Sadler said. Design is complete; to date 53 of an estimated 439 fiber miles have been constructed and 107 of 3,910 addresses in that project are open for sale. In January the county notified DHCD of two possible sources of delay: CSX railroad crossings and attachments to electric poles owned or managed by Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Dominion.
Sadler said three of the four CSX crossings required for the eastern build have been completed and one remains in active work. He said 5,745 poles were evaluated when the project began and that pole evaluations and required upgrades in the near-term construction area are up to date. "At this time, no extension of this project is necessary," Sadler said, while adding that staff will continue to monitor the area closely and that if a delay occurs, it is likely to be for one of those reasons.
Sadler also reported installation activity numbers: more than 350 subscriber installations in the West project through March, with additional orders being filled after the last addresses were opened late in the schedule. He provided a County contact for new orders or questions: +1 (888) 548-5833, and said questions submitted through the broadband banner on the Caroline County website come directly to him.
The county is scheduling another public broadband update for Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m.; Sadler said the updates are streamed on YouTube and available for replay. He asked residents in the southern half of the county (south of the Route 207/301 corridor, including the Shumansville area) to expect visible construction work as crews replace poles, pull fiber overhead, and install underground sections where required.
The presentation and recognition noted in the meeting referenced Verizon representatives and the Broadband Advisory Committee chairperson, who was present during the April 8 recognition, but the meeting transcript did not include direct quotes from Verizon staff.
