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VDOT seeks easements for sidewalk near Gloucester High School; board asked to prepare resolution
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Summary
VDOT presented a plan to install a 5-foot sidewalk on Business 17 adjacent to Gloucester High School that requires temporary construction easements, utility relocations, and replacement of some lights and fencing; VDOT asked the school board to approve a resolution in a future meeting to accept negotiated terms.
A VDOT right-of-way agent, Thomas Gordon, visited the March 10 Gloucester County School Board meeting to present a sidewalk project along Business 17 near the high school and to explain the easement and utility steps required before construction.
What VDOT proposed: a 5-foot sidewalk to improve pedestrian access near the high school. The work requires acquiring temporary construction easements and adjusting utility easements so the sidewalk does not conflict with existing underground or overhead utilities. The packet provided to the board included plan sheets, a condensed appraisal, an option agreement (non-deed temporary agreement), and proposed compensation amounts tied to an appraisal. Dominion (power) and communications providers would need to relocate fixtures; certain light poles that illuminate the bus area are listed in the appraisal and VDOT said it would coordinate relocation estimates with Dominion and the county.
Operational concerns and mitigations: VDOT flagged bus-loop fencing that will be removed and then replaced as part of the project; temporary fencing will be installed to protect children during construction, and VDOT indicated construction near bus operations would be scheduled to avoid bus-heavy periods. VDOT estimated the right-of-way phase to complete by September, with construction starting in spring 2027 (contract award and construction early to mid 2027). VDOT said the school board must pass a resolution accepting negotiated terms before the deeded easement is recorded; VDOT also explained that payment from VDOT for easement acquisition would be made to the school board (not the county) per counsel guidance.
Board concerns: Board members asked who receives the funds, how temporary lighting will be handled during construction windows, the sequence of utility relocations, fencing and safety during school hours, and whether the sidewalk placement should be on the opposite side of the road given nearby homes. VDOT representatives said the sidewalk will tie into an existing small segment near the Boy Scouts' log cabin and explained that the proposed alignment minimizes utility relocations and easement complexity.
What's next: VDOT requested the board authorize staff to draft a resolution accepting negotiated offer terms and indicated Dominion will provide cost estimates for light relocation. The board asked staff to prepare a resolution for consideration at an upcoming meeting (April) once the final costs for relocations are available.
Provenance: Presentation and Q&A with Thomas Gordon and school staff during the March 10 meeting (VDOT right-of-way packet, plan sheets and condensed appraisal).
