Delays in VDOT projects frustrate New Kent supervisor
At least one New Kent supervisor is frustrated with delayed Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) projects. And he let VDOT representatives know about it once again during the Oct. 13 regular scheduled meeting of the county’s board of supervisors.
District 1 representative Thomas Evelyn admitted he was trying to hold back his anger and displeasure over two projects that have been scheduled to take place within his district.
Evelyn addressed Chad Baker, VDOT’s maintenance superintendent for New Kent, speaking on his major concerns about the repaving of a section of Route 638 (Cosby Mill Road) and the ongoing saga of the roundabout at the intersection of Route 612 (Tunstall/Airport Road) and Route 249 (New Kent Highway).
“Chad, you have always addressed my concerns promptly whenever I call you and I greatly appreciate that,” Evelyn commenced. “But my constituents, as well as I, are getting frustrated with these two.
“Last month, you told me that the paving would be redone on Cosby Mill Road but it hasn’t,” the District 1 supervisor continued. “Now you’re saying it’s going to be this month. It’s only 75 to 100 feet that needs to be done.
“I’m still looking for more of an open line of communication with VDOT,” Evelyn said.
More frustration set in as the District 1 representative spoke about the roundabout project. Originally, construction was slated to begin this past spring and be concluded before the end of the year. However, that project came into a screeching halt in April after the original contractor and VDOT engaged in a financial dispute.
VDOT resident engineer Bruce McNabb commented on the current status of the project.
“Right now, we are still in negotiations with a new contractor but VDOT is taking legal action against the former contractor,” McNabb said. “Unfortunately, we have been advised not to do anything with the intersection.
“We are seeking legal advice and awaiting VDOT’s call if we are to continue the project while we are in this dispute,” he concluded. “Unfortunately, we believe the project won’t begin until next year.”
That comment sparked Evelyn to rebut, claiming how the delay is having a financial impact on the county.
“Because of that situation [with the roundabout], it is affecting businesses that had planned to be in that area and build around it,” Evelyn said. “Anytime people from Mr. [Ron] Stiers’ district are calling me on the issue, then it’s a big problem.
“I have been trying to get information out to my constituents so they know what’s going on,” he continued. “But just like with me, this project has frustrated them as much as it has me.”
On the positive side, VDOT announced that paving of a park-and-ride on Route 604 (Poindexter Road) is complete.
The location is expected to open within the next two months. The parking lot is scheduled to undergo striping to create parking spaces. The park-and-ride is expected to accommodate 37 vehicles upon completion.