Truck stop discussion yields progress among parties

Parties interested in a conditional use permit (CUP) submitted by Wilco Hess LLC for the construction of a travel plaza met May 23 to discuss the structural integrity of the Route 106/Exit 211 interchange.

New Kent county administrator Rodney Hathaway told New Kent supervisors at the May 29 work session a “lot of good discussion” emerged from conversation with representatives from Wilco Hess LLC, Pilot, Farms of New Kent, and MHF Dining. Discussion entailed finding possible solutions for the aforementioned intersection and ramp to accommodate increased traffic if the CUP is granted by supervisors.

“My take is property owners are willing to participate in finding a solution,” said Hathaway. “We are getting price quotes for a corridor study.”

“Each said they are willing to work and commit to make things work,” he continued. “How much they commit though is something still in the works.”

Chairman Ray Davis questioned if conducting a study for the corridor was necessary.

“Should we even spend money for that when we know the problems are going to be the interstate ramps?” questioned the District 5 representative. “Route 106 will probably be a four-lane road. The interchanges will be a bigger problem with that.”

County attorney Michele Gowdy explained alternatives accomplished over the past year by other jurisdictions with similar issues.

“Rockingham County had a lane paved on the interstate before they had a traffic impact analysis. “Spotsylvania is adding a lane for their race track and that was yesterday [May 28].”
Supervisors are expected to address the matter at their June 10 regular meeting. Approval of a CUP deferred during the May meeting.