Board approves Jeter Road for VDOT secondary six-year plan funding

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors voted May 12 to include Jeter Road in the Virginia Department of Transportations FY2027-2032 secondary six-year improvement plan, moving forward a rural-rustic surface treatment project with a preliminary cost estimate of about $135,000.

Rick Spurlock, VDOT Fredericksburg Residency representative, told the board the project is already in the secondary system with a route number and could be scheduled in the next year or two if funding phasing aligns: "...it is funded Jeter room through 2028 but I just ask you to remember that is actually July of 27 so we could probably do this project next year," Spurlock said.

Board members asked questions about funding sources and whether telecommunications district or unpaved-road funds were the appropriate source for the work. VDOT staff clarified the difference between unpaved-road funds and telecommunications-fee-derived funding that channels revenue for county projects.

Members of the board and the public also raised concerns about many rural roads narrow shoulders and the need for additional shoulder widening to improve safety where heavy truck traffic is common; VDOT staff said the secondary plan can include hardening and widening projects and the maintenance office would follow up on specific requests.

The board voted to move the Jeter Road project forward in the secondary system and to direct continued communication with VDOT resident engineers on shoulder and maintenance concerns.

What happens next: VDOT and county staff will coordinate scheduling and funding phasing and follow up about shoulder-widening needs on other rural routes.