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Developer says Exit 39 truck stop back on track after engineering disputes
Summary
A developer told the Smyth County Board the Exit 39 truck stop project stalled because of problems with an earlier engineering firm; he said he has engaged Lumston and Associates and paid a new traffic consultant to restart work, with a preliminary traffic study expected by late May 2026 and site work possible in late 2026.
Ritz Sony, a developer of the proposed Exit 39 truck stop, told the Smyth County Board of Supervisors on April 9 that the project’s delays were primarily the result of problems with the original engineering firm and not with required government approvals.
Sony said he recently terminated the first engineering firm, made a direct payment to Matter and Craig to restart a traffic impact analysis and has contracted Lumston and Associates of Roanoke, Virginia, to move the project forward. “Once that is done, they’ll send it out, which will then start the concept planning phase,” Sony said, adding he expects a preliminary traffic impact analysis by late May 2026 and that, barring setbacks, “we’re close to five months to six months out” for site work.
Why it matters: The Exit 39 site has drawn local attention because of its proximity to Route 11 and a historic house on the property. Sony told the board the development footprint is roughly 7 to 10 acres and said the house will not be altered during the first phase. “One good news we have right now is we have no plans as of now to do anything negative to the house,” he said.
Details and timeline: Sony told the board that funds paid to the prior engineering firm were not passed along to Matter and Craig, which stalled required traffic work. He said he intervened in February and made a direct payment to restart the traffic analysis, and that Lumston (also referenced in the packet as Lumpson/Lumston in places) has completed a field survey and will prepare base maps for concept planning.
Board members asked about acreage, treatment of the on-site house and schedule. Sony estimated the project would occupy about 7–10 acres, reiterated the house would be left intact in phase one, and said the team is targeting late 2026 for groundbreaking. He also asked the board and community for leads on “donor sites” for fill dirt to reduce hauling costs.
Questions and next steps: Board members suggested smaller interim updates could be handled by email, with in-person presentations reserved for major milestones such as plan submission for approvals. Sony said he will provide brief written updates and return to the board for substantive developments.
Outcome and follow-up: No formal action was required by the board on the presentation. The developer identified the next near-term milestone as the traffic impact analysis, expected by late May 2026; staff and board members requested that Sony provide periodic updates, by email for small items and in person for major submissions.
