VDOT pegs $2.28 million for dangerous Charles City intersection
The intersection of Barnetts Road and Lott Cary Road in Charles City is set to undergo construction in 2017 upon project approval. The white line designates the proposed new route for the intersection that would allow traffic to continue on Lott Cary Road and bring traffic on Barnetts Road to a halt.Google Maps image
A dangerous intersection in Charles City County that has been the site of numerous accidents is scheduled to undergo major renovation by 2017.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) officials announced a $2.28 million project for the reconfiguring of the intersection of Barnetts Road and Lott Cary Road during the Nov. 25 regular meeting of the county’s board of supervisors.
At issue are concerns of merging traffic from Lott Cary Road northbound onto Barnetts Road and vice-versa. Currently, northbound traffic traveling Lott Cary Road is supposed to yield to oncoming traffic from Barnetts Road. However, VDOT representatives say drivers usually ignore or do not see the sign, prompting action to correct the problem.
The other problem stems from motorists traveling southbound on Barnetts Road who elect to turn left onto southbound Lott Cary Road. That turn is located around a blind curve, making it hazardous for vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
The proposed configuration would eliminate the “triangle” portion of the road, a short route that allows northbound Barnetts Road traffic to travel southbound on Lott Cary Road. The new route calls for a new road to bisect the triangle, essentially straightening out the curve of the current street.
The major change in the proposal is traffic on Barnetts Road would come to a halt at the stop sign, giving the right-a-way to travelers on Lott Cary Road. According to VDOT officials, the proposed change is because studies revealed Lott Cary Road has more traffic than Barnetts Road.
Total construction length of the project comes in just under one mile. Construction costs are pegged at $1.33 million, with an additional $493,000 for engineering and $456,000 for right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocation.
Design approvals and right-of-way acquisitions are expected to begin in spring 2015, with construction slated for spring 2017. During construction, there will be a single closure of Barnetts Road over one weekend that will result in an 11.7-mile detour.
District 2 supervisor and board chairman Bill Coada praised the project.
“I’m glad that we are addressing this problem,” he said. “I know that there have been many instances where I have traveled the road and witnessed close calls at the intersection.”
Michael Holmes, a former Charles City supervisor who owns Holmes Auto Center that’s located at the intersection, is pleased that VDOT has finally decided to take action.
“I’ve seen my share of accidents here,” Holmes said, referencing at least 25 major accidents and several fender benders and close calls since his business opened at that location in 1974. “I’m glad that concerns I’ve had are finally being addressed.”
As Holmes reviewed the proposed plans, he praised the concept that would bring traffic on Barnetts Road to a complete stop.
“I think it’s a lot safer to allow motorists to continue on Lott Cary Road and have those on Barnetts Road come to a stop,” Holmes continued. “From my experience, there are a lot more vehicles traveling from Barnetts Road to get on Lott Cary Road.
“I am also glad they are addressing the situation with the curve,” he added. “Most of the accidents I’ve seen resulted in vehicles making a left turn onto Lott Cary and being struck by a vehicle coming from the opposite direction.”
In other news, supervisors approved a business permit fee in a 2-1 vote. Supervisors deferred the vote in October to address issues of those who are exempt from the fee. The $30 fee is an annual fee to be paid. District 3 supervisor Floyd Miles Sr. cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about an additional tax being levied.