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Board backs six SmartScale entries and hears $85 million slate of transportation projects
Summary
The board heard an overview of transportation funding and approved resolutions supporting six SmartScale applications. Staff highlighted an $85 million pipeline of competitive projects (roadway, bike/ped and safety improvements) and described limited local discretionary funds for secondary roads.
Carol Rizzio, the county’s assistant director for planning, zoning and environmental programs, presented the county’s transportation priorities July 7 and asked the board to endorse six SmartScale applications due in August.
Funding and pipeline: Rizzio told supervisors the county is pursuing three funding streams: competitive SmartScale applications (the largest share of project funding, used for about $85 million worth of projects currently in the queue), federal funds through HRTPO, and a smaller locally controlled state allocation (approximately $83,000 per year). Maintenance funding remains VDOT‑managed.
Key projects identified: Rizzio highlighted eight roadway improvement projects and three bike/ped projects concentrated in Gloucester Point and Courthouse Village areas. Notable items: HSIP safety projects to reconfigure R‑cuts and add median separators on Route 17 and in the Courthouse area, a Roaring Springs Road sidewalk project (right‑of‑way phase), a planned smart‑scale extension of sidewalks to Holly Springs, and a multi‑phase Route 17 widening/median/shared‑use path project subject to staging and cost‑inflation considerations.
SmartScale submissions: The board approved staff’s request to support six SmartScale entries that would add turn lanes, pedestrian signalization, shared use paths and intersection improvements on Route 17 corridors (Hospital Drive/17, Roaring Springs Road shared‑use/sidewalk extension, dual lefts at Short Lane, Hickory Fork intersection upgrades, Providence Road turn lane and Guinea Road widening phases).
Why it matters: A successful SmartScale application would bring major construction funding to relieve congestion, reduce crash points and add pedestrian facilities in growth corridors. Rizzio cautioned that inflation and rising bid costs have required project scoping adjustments and that some projects require local matching funds when pursued as locally supported projects.
Board comments and follow up: Supervisors asked about pedestrian crossings, sidewalks near the courthouse and potential coordination with VDOT projects north of Tide Mill. Rizzio said the county will continue to pursue balanced multimodal and safety strategies and will refine applications for the August deadlines.
Ending: With board support, staff will finalize SmartScale submissions and continue to refine plan priorities as VDOT and HRTPO cycles advance.
