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Committee recommends county back updated Route 301/Port Royal study to pursue SmartScale funding
Summary
After a VDOT presentation on an updated Route 301 AMP study and bypass concepts for Port Royal, the committee voted to recommend further study to the Board so the county can pursue a potential SmartScale application.
A VDOT representative told the committee that Port Royal officials asked VDOT last fall to revisit the 2018 Route 301 AMP study and explore ideas for traffic calming and a bypass tied to Route 17. “So Port Royal came to VDOT last fall,” the presenter said, adding the intent was to update the prior analysis and prepare material that the county could use to submit a SmartScale application.
Committee members discussed trade-offs between protecting small businesses and addressing safety concerns from heavy truck traffic. One committee member argued that truck traffic and noise “is killing the town,” and urged corridor protections and careful community planning. The chair moved that the committee recommend additional study to the Board so the county can be the SmartScale applicant; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: the recommended study would examine corridor-level changes (median modifications, turn restrictions, and a proposed bypass alignment) and estimate right-of-way and environmental constraints needed to build a safer Main Street through Port Royal. VDOT emphasized that updated feasibility and environmental assessments are required under current SmartScale standards and that the county would be the formal applicant if the Board endorses the work.
Next steps: staff will forward a recommendation to the Board asking it to endorse the study and consider a county SmartScale application; VDOT requested an email from the county indicating support to move forward.
