The proposed restriction would apply to portions of Main Street (Route 3) between James B. Jones Memorial Highway on the north and Harris Road on the south, requiring through-trucks to use the bypass around town. Trucks making deliveries in town or accessing Waverly Avenue or Jesse Ball duPont Memorial Highway (Route 200) would not be restricted from driving through town, Saunders said.

Supervisor Pete Geilich expressed concern about sight problems for northbound trucks making a left turn onto Harris Road due to a dip in the road that obscures traffic in southbound lanes. He also noted the steep hill at the top of the Harris Road portion of the bypass.

“We realize the bypass is not perfect,” Saunders said, but town officials concerned for the safety of citizens getting in and out of cars parked on Main Street feel it is the best solution. While enforcement had not be discussed, he said town police would probably issue warnings during an initial grace period, followed by citations as a moving violation.

Other problems in accessing the bypass were referred to VDOT representative Sean Trapani, who said a traffic study would address all issues prior to state approval to move forward. Any funding for improvements would have to come from VDOT’s six-year plan, which could take years.

After assurances that supervisors could still turn down the proposal after seeing the results of the VDOT study, members agreed to hold a public hearing on the issue during a future board meeting.