Town Crier Articles

 

On May 12, 2022, VDOT released the results of its traffic study of Casey Boulevard and Center Street.

“VDOT has reviewed the intersection for safety improvements needed and whether a four-way stop is appropriate for this intersection.  Based on the traffic volume disbursement between the two roads it was determined that a four-way stop is not recommended for this intersection.”

 

VDOT found that Center Street carries approximately 20% of the total volume of Casey Boulevard “which is not consistent with the guidance for a multi-way stop condition.”

 

The review did determine that the line of sight for northbound Center Street is obstructed.  As a result, “VDOT will be taking measures to help improve this situation by relocating the stop bar.” Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Lawn and Landscape have already taken steps to trim trees and/or remove shrubs blocking the line of sight in the intersection, per VDOT’s recommendations.  

 

In mid April, the Board of Directors also submitted to VDOT a detailed photo inventory of the damaged sidewalks throughout New Town in hopes of receiving repair attention in VDOT’s next budget cycle. Unfortunately, VDOT remains adamant, as reported at last year’s Annual Members Meeting, that their other traffic priorities will not permit it to address this situation now. Tracey Lassiter, VDOT’s Williamsburg Operations Manager responded:

“…Please understand that we currently have 550 outstanding work orders. That means that I have 550 current unsatisfied customers.  Immediate roadway safety concerns are our first priority.  These are things such as potholes, dead animals in the roadway/right of way, vegetation causing sight distance issues, missing or damaged roadway stop/yield signs, drainage issues that cause water to flood the roadway, etc.   I will have someone review the sidewalk concerns as time and priority allows.”

 

VDOT repeated that it will not take responsibility for sidewalks uplifted by tree roots.

“VDOT cannot be responsible for these types of repairs because it requires the removal of the existing sidewalk slab, the removal of the tree root (which may kill the tree), and the repouring of a new concrete slab.  If the tree is not removed, the roots will very quickly push up the sidewalk yet again.  Unfortunately VDOT does not have the resources for these types of potentially recurring problems.  Should the tree be cut down/removed, VDOT could provide a repair or slab-repour.” 

 

VDOT also believes based on previous visits that some sinking slabs are being caused by home drainage systems, e.g."the homeowner's downspout/black pipe which was draining at the sidewalk location causing voids and settling of the slab.  If the homeowner removes the pipe, VDOT can then consider a repair.  Sprinkler systems also cause sidewalks to settle/crack.  Again, VDOT cannot consider a repair until the sprinkler system is removed.”

 

We will continue to keep the community informed if any progress is made with VDOT in the coming months. New personnel are onboard at the Williamsburg Office and some corrective actions may be possible. Otherwise, expensive decisions may await the Association. Continue to watch your step when walking in our community!