Council backs VDOT revenue‑sharing application for Cedar Hill Road sidewalk

City Council approved a resolution to apply for VDOT revenue‑sharing funds to construct sidewalks on Cedar Hill Road between Hydraulic Road and North Berkshire Road and authorized staff to move forward with the application and design work.

Transportation staff described the segment as a priority within the city's sidewalk plan: sidewalks exist at both ends of the two‑block stretch but not on Cedar Hill Road itself. The sidewalk was identified as a Tier 2 project because survey, stormwater and utility questions remain — factors that push up estimated construction costs. Staff presented a planning‑level estimate of roughly $5.2 million that includes a VDOT contingency; with VDOT revenue sharing the city would be responsible for roughly half of the cost if the application is successful.

Council approved the recommendation to proceed with the revenue sharing application. Staff said the city has design money budgeted and that applying for state construction help now will allow it to reduce unknowns through design and thereby refine costs. The VDOT roundabout project at Hydraulic and Cedar Hill — which the city previously approved in concept — gives the Cedar Hill sidewalk an opportune construction window if funds are awarded.

Action taken: Council voted 5–0 to adopt the revenue‑sharing application resolution and to continue design work that will refine scope and cost estimates. Staff said the requested funds are applications for construction and that the city would not be legally committed to the city share until VDOT formally awards revenue sharing funds and the council later commits matching city funds if needed.

Next steps: Staff will advance design and survey work, coordinate timing with the Hydraulic roundabout project and pursue the construction award from VDOT. The application had been submitted in September and staff expects a multi‑month review by the state.