NKBOS votes to impose through-truck restrictions on two roads

New Kent County leaders supported the implications of through-truck restrictions on two roads in the eastern part of the county following an Oct. 17 meeting.
Supervisors voted to impose the restrictions on Good Hope Road and a portion of Stage Road.

During the discussion, County Administrator Rodney Hathaway commented that while the submission to Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the restriction on Good Hope Road and Stage Road would be made, approval would be needed by neighboring county to James City County as the alternative route runs through that county. By VDOT standards, an alternative route must be provided in the application for a through-truck restriction to be considered.

New Kent resident John Sanders commented that while he supports the decision, he doesn’t believe James City County would agree to those terms.

“Good Hope Road at the lower end where I live at has been at a disadvantage,” he commented. “The road is narrow and gets narrower every year because VDOT does not maintain it.

“I think VDOT will let James City County dictate that,” Sanders added, mentioning the alternative route. “The only thing I ever got from VDOT is the lowering of the speed by miles per hour. VDOT has drove our roads and couldn’t explain to me how or why Waterside Drive, which has two lanes, is paved with easements on both sides.

“When you close that road to through trucks, it still must be enforced. If not, then nothing is going to happen.”

Supervisors unanimously approved through-truck restrictions on both roads.