New Kent Approves $8.6 Million Roundabout Project to Alleviate Traffic

New Kent County is moving forward with plans for an $8.6 million roundabout at the intersection of Route 249 and Dispatch Road in Quinton. This initiative aims to alleviate significant congestion and reduce the risk of accidents at what has been described as a “traffic nightmare” for local residents. On Friday, the New Kent County Board of Supervisors reaffirmed its commitment to fund half of the project’s costs.

Transportation Development Director Amy Inman announced that a pre-application for revenue sharing has already been submitted, which will facilitate the construction of a multi-lane roundabout. “The improvements will achieve better efficiency from an operations and a safety perspective,” Inman stated, highlighting the current lack of a traffic signal at the busy intersection.

The total estimated cost of the roundabout is $8.6 million, with New Kent County covering $4.3 million of that amount. Inman indicated that the county has requested this sum from the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, which would serve to match funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). “There is a chance that our local funding will be covered through that regional funding,” she added.

Funding from VDOT is anticipated to be available as early as 2027. Inman expressed optimism about the project’s timeline, stating that the county has been able to advance the initiative more quickly than initially expected. “We are excited about that,” she remarked.

Community feedback has been positive, with local landowners expressing support for the roundabout. Board Chair Thomas Evelyn echoed this sentiment, stating, “That’s good. That’s a traffic nightmare up there.” The proposed roundabout represents a significant step toward improving safety and traffic flow in the area, addressing a longstanding concern for New Kent residents.

As plans progress, the county will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure the project meets the needs of the community and enhances local infrastructure.