Council divided over proposed Church & East Street roundabout after pedestrian crash prompted all‑way stop

Public Works presented a concept and crash analysis for a proposed roundabout at Church and East streets, a project initiated after a serious pedestrian‑vehicle crash and funded in part by VDOT revenue‑sharing. Staff said the design would reduce pedestrian crossing distances (from roughly 48–58 feet to 27–39 feet) and lower vehicle‑to‑vehicle conflict points.

Director Brad Bair and transportation engineer Andrew Jenks explained that the project began in 2019 with a VDOT grant and that the town has already spent “a little less than $100,000” on study/design to date. Construction was preliminarily estimated at about $420,000 plus any right‑of‑way costs; the project would be funded roughly 50/50 between VDOT revenue sharing and the town’s local MVTA 30 funds.

Council members were split. Supporters said roundabouts have reduced crashes in other town locations and improve pedestrian safety by shortening crossing distances and slowing turning speeds. Opponents argued that installing an all‑way stop earlier this year appears to have improved safety and that the project would use local match funds that might be needed elsewhere. Several councilors suggested pausing further design work until the council takes a definitive vote.

Public Works said it could finish concept design but would pause more advanced design if the council requests a halt; staff also noted that if the town declines construction, the grant funds could be reallocated by the state. No binding direction to proceed to construction was taken at the work session.