VDOT to close sections of U.S. 460 for paving in September; detour routing and signage plan presented to supervisors

Representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation told the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors that a contractor working on the Route 460 project is ahead of schedule but will require full closures to finish paving work around newly built splitter islands.

VDOT said lane-closure paving is not possible in the updated intersection geometry because raised concrete splitter islands prevent conventional lane closures. The agency is planning a full closure of the affected stretch of U.S. 460 during daytime hours in the week of Sept. 8–12 (weather permitting). Traffic will be detoured via secondary routing; VDOT said message boards, pavement markings, delineators and physical plastic delineators will be used to guide drivers.

VDOT staff said the detour will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to avoid most commuter peak hours. Emergency services will be given access plans and VDOT said it will coordinate directly with the county's emergency services and public-safety agencies. The department also provided supervisors with a signage plan and invited board questions.

Board members raised concerns about truck driver sight lines at the median crossover and the visibility of temporary signage; VDOT said it would review sign placements, especially where large truck cabs might have blocked views. A speed study conducted for the project showed no immediate justification for a temporary lower speed limit, VDOT said, but noted the county or board may request another study after project completion.

VDOT also reported on local resurfacing and shoulder work projects, centerline painting and rumble-strip installations completed under federally funded safety programs. The board asked VDOT to provide public-notification language for the county to post on its website and social media ahead of the planned September closure.