COURTLAND
During the highway matters portion of the Southampton supervisors meeting on Monday, the board learned Hampton Roads Development has started a traffic study to analyze safety improvements for Riverdale Elementary School.

A concern that’s been expressed in the past by residents is the entrance and exit on Camp Parkway. There’s little to no room for easing in without slowing or even stopping to turn.

County administrator Mike Johnson said that as he was directed last month, a request has been made to the Virginia Department of Transportation to set aside $128,000 in remaining state safety monies to implement the study recommendations on completion.

The agency has also been asked to replace the truck restriction sign on Route 58 in the commercial zone extending from Old Bridge Road to the Nottoway House with an enforceable background color, which tells trucks to stay in the right lane only.

The board had unanimously requested this during its meeting on Feb. 26.

Speaking of transportation, a reminder that VDOT has closed Route 638 (Drake Road) for its bridge replacement project. The road is closed between Route 603 (Unity Road) and Route 645 (Vicksville Road.) Traffic is being detoured on Route 641 (Johnsons Mill Road.)

Drake Road is expected to be reopen no later than Friday, April 13.