Board approves VDOT paving priorities and asks for speed and safety studies on Jonas Bridge Road

George Bowman, assistant resident administrator for VDOT’s Franklin Residency, presented the county’s secondary six‑year rural rustic paving schedule and recommended moving Darden and Scout roads into the FY25 work list, with Bowers, Waller and Farmers Bridal roads following. The board accepted the recommended priorities by vote.

During the public hearing and later public comment period, residents described severe potholes, drainage problems and safety concerns on Jonas Bridge Road (Route 611) near a county trash transfer point and asked supervisors to lower the posted speed. VDOT staff explained that the county must pass a resolution directing a formal speed study for VDOT’s traffic engineering division; staff also noted that a separate safety audit or engineering study is a different process and should be requested if the board wants safety‑specific recommendations.

Supervisors directed staff to prepare a resolution asking VDOT to conduct a speed study to consider reducing the limit (members discussed a reduction from 55 to 45 mph) and to also request a safety analysis of the corridor; staff agreed to return the resolution at the next meeting.