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Council temporarily closes central Macon Street to through traffic over safety concerns
Summary
The Bedford Town Council voted unanimously to temporarily close the middle portion of Macon Street to through traffic because of standing water, drainage issues and substandard surface conditions; public works will install barriers, provide a coded gate for affected residents and accommodate access requests.
Bedford Town Council voted unanimously March 17 to adopt a resolution temporarily closing a central section of Macon Street to through traffic while the town evaluates remediation options.
Town Manager Warner told council the middle portion of Macon Street, between its intersection with Rough Drive and roughly to the property at 950 Macon Street, has not been maintained to Virginia Department of Transportation or AASHTO standards and has increasing standing water and drainage problems that render the segment hazardous for through traffic. Staff proposed installing physical barriers, using a code‑controlled gate for property owners who need access, and having public works manage access requests.
Vice Mayor Updike moved to adopt the temporary closure and Councilman Evans seconded. Council members expressed concern about agricultural users and equipment access; staff and council confirmed accommodations for adjacent property owners and that anyone needing access can contact Public Works at 587‑6081. The town manager said he would follow up directly with resident Josh Lamy, who had raised farm access concerns during public comment.
The council recorded unanimous aye votes and the motion carried. The closure is temporary pending identification of appropriate remediation to bring the roadway segment up to applicable right‑of‑way standards. Public works will maintain the barriers and issue access codes as needed for affected property owners.
