AGENDA DATE: 7/15/2026
TITLE:
Secondary Six-Year Plan Hard-Surfacing Rural Roads Resolutions
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Adopt Resolutions designating the following roads for paving: Blacks Lane, Gilbert Station Road, Giannini Lane, Old Sand Road, Murrays Lane, and Broken Sun Road
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick, Tevendale, Barnes, McDermott, Swartzendruber, Karina-Plun
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Each spring, the Board of Supervisors (Board) approves the Secondary Six-Year Plan (SSYP), which includes funds dedicated to paving unpaved roads in the County under the Rural Rustic Road (RRR) paving program. This program is the preferred approach of both Albemarle County and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for paving low-volume roads. The goal of the program is to improve the road surface within the current right-of-way. A “chip and seal” or asphalt surface is used to pave the existing alignment and width of the road for minimal disturbance.
The process for identifying and prioritizing RRR paving projects in Albemarle is defined in the Unpaved Road Policies and Review Process (Attachment A). Staff recognizes that, at its May 20, 2026 meeting, the Board has asked to revisit this policy, which staff intends to bring back to the Board in short order. When a paving priority is advanced, funds are allocated and the road becomes a project in the SSYP following the Board’s approval. Once the road is designated as an RRR by Board resolution, VDOT initiates the paving process.
Following the Board’s direction at the May 18, 2022 public hearing, projects now require two-thirds (2/3) support from directly impacted homeowners along the segment of road to be paved. First, residents reach out to staff with a paving request, then staff provides information about the overall process and collection of signatures to the requesting resident and awaits a response from the residents.
The following road segments are fully-funded for RRR paving in FY 27, if designated as Rural Rustic Roads by the Board:
- The 0.80-mile segment of Route 718 (Murrays Lane) from Route 29 to the end of state maintenance. (Attachment B)
- The 0.20-mile segment of Route 613 (Giannini Lane) from Route 602 to the end of state maintenance. (Attachment C)
- The 0.50-mile segment of Route 748 (Broken Sun Road) from Route 633 to the end of state maintenance. (Attachment D).
- The 1.04-mile segment of Route 717 (Old Sand Road) from Route 6 to Route 755 (Attachment E).
- The 0.50-mile segment of Route 638 (Blacks Lane) from Route 795 to the end of state maintenance. (Attachment F).
- The 0.52-mile segment of Route 640 (Gilbert Station Road) from Route 1094 to 0.52 miles west of Route 1054 (Attachment G)
Before paving these roads under the RRR program, VDOT requires that the governing body adopt a resolution designating the roads as Rural Rustic Roads.
STRATEGIC PLAN: STRATEGIC PLAN: : Infrastructure and Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being.
DISCUSSION: Residents requested the materials to get signatures so that their road could be paved. If 2/3 signatures were collected by a resident and sent to staff by February 1, the road is eligible for review by VDOT for paving. VDOT makes the final determination for paving eligibility. Below is a chart of the roads requested for paving and response of the affected owners.
|
Road |
% Supported |
# Supported |
# Opposed |
# No Response |
Affected Owners |
|
Route 718 (Murrays Lane) |
78 |
11 |
0 |
3 |
14 |
|
Route 613 (Giannini Lane) |
88 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
|
Route 748 (Broken Sun Road) |
91 |
11 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
|
Route 717 (Old Sand Road) |
85 |
11 |
0 |
2 |
13 |
|
Route 638 (Blacks Lane) |
100 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
Route 640 (Gilbert Station Road) |
100 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
BUDGET IMPACT: Adoption of these resolutions would have no impact on the County budget. These resolutions would authorize VDOT to expend state funds on a project for which the Board has previously recommended state funds be allocated through the SSYP.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board adopt the attached resolutions (Attachments B, C, D, E, F and G) to designate the segments of the roads specified above as Rural Rustic Roads.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Albemarle County Unpaved Road Policies and Review Process
B - Resolution Designating Route 718 (Murrays Lane) as a Rural Rustic Road
C - Resolution Designating Route 613 (Giannini Lane) as a Rural Rustic Road
D - Resolution Designating Route 748 (Broken Sun Road) as a Rural Rustic Road
E - Resolution Designating Route 717 (Old Sand Road) as a Rural Rustic Road
F - Resolution Designating 638 (Blacks Lane) as a Rural Rustic Road
G - Resolution Designating Route 640 (Gilbert Station Road) as a Rural Rustic Road