RiverStreet reports progress and expected timelines for Charlotte County broadband; railroad crossings cause localized delays

RiverStreet briefed the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors on construction progress for the county broadband project and explained causes of localized delays.

Rob Taylor of RiverStreet told supervisors that work has progressed but that railroad crossings have created scheduling delays at certain sites. He said the company typically works with landowners to resolve issues such as electric fences used for cattle, and that RiverStreet usually covers associated costs unless the fence itself is at fault. Taylor said crews from Danville and Amelia are assisting construction efforts.

Taylor said once construction is completed in an area, service activation will occur on a first‑come, first‑served basis. He stated the grant cycle for the project ends in June 2026 and that the Red Oak–Wylliesburg area should be completed sooner; northern areas could see longer delays due to railroad crossing issues.

Vice‑Chair Hazel Bowman Smith and other supervisors asked for expected completion timing; Taylor said, based on a construction call that morning, work in active areas should be complete within about four weeks of when service becomes available and then subscribers will be provisioned in order of sign‑up.

The Board did not take formal action on the update; RiverStreet will continue construction and coordinate with county staff on unresolved right‑of‑way or landowner issues.