Committee hears VDOT roundabout plans; county would fund pedestrian trail later

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee heard a staff recap of a VDOT public meeting about five proposed roundabouts, with particular interest in locations near Clevengers and the Calvin/Route 229 area. Andrew summarized that about 45 people attended the VDOT session and said the current concept did not provide pedestrian access; VDOT has committed to grade a 20-foot swath and secure right-of-way or easements so the county can build a trail when it chooses to do so.

"They basically have committed to grading out a 20 foot area swath providing rightaway and or easements to build the trail," Andrew said. He added that the trail would need to be paid for and built by the county when development occurs; staff said design bids are due in October, an award is expected in March, and construction could be complete by 2031. Committee members asked whether bids would be packaged for all roundabouts or by individual sites and whether sidewalks or lighting could be included in the design. Staff said the priority is design for the Cold Run location first and that the corridor will be designed to allow a 10-foot shared-use path and an 8-foot grass buffer so the county can add surface improvements later.