On March 23, 2023, this van ended up in the ditch on Lake Kilby Road blocking traffic. Lake Kilby is an example of the many narrow country roads in Suffolk that do not meet the minimum standards set forth by VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation). 

Lake Kilby is a road with lanes that are 8′ wide and with no clear zone. A clear zone, defined by VDOT is “used to describe the unobstructed, traversable area provided beyond the edge of the through traveled way for the recovery of an errant vehicle.” Lake Kilby Road is designated as a minor collector road and should have a minimum of 11′ lanes, but recommended 12′ lanes where trucks or farm equipment use the road, and an 8′ clear zone. (Source: VDOT Road Design Manual)

This is right where a developer wants to put a 200+ housing development that was just recommended by the Suffolk Planning Department and the Suffolk Planning Commission. The developer is proffering to widen the road in front of this proposed new development, but only to 10′ lanes and no expanded clear zone. This doesn’t meet the minimum required by the state. The lawyer for the developer, Grady Palmer, stated last Tuesday at the Planning Commission, “We understand, that’s not standard. We wish we could do standard, but we can’t do standard. But 20 feet, and the way I think about this as a lawyer, can two school buses pass each other safely on 20 feet of pavement. I think the answer to that question is yes.”  ( Source: Planning Commission Meeting video mark 2:39:34-2:39:55)

The developer would only be widening Lake Kilby in front of the development, so it will still only be 8′ lanes in parts, but it will add about 100 new students. So these school buses which are about 8′ wide (source Virginia Public School Bus Specifications) still have to traverse these narrow lanes. Even in front of the development, with only 10′ lanes and not meeting minimum clear zones, should something unexpected happen (inclement weather, farm equipment, vehicle loses control, etc.) there is no place for the school bus to safely veer off. Instead of a Stanley Steamer van, that could be a school bus ending up in a ditch. 

The city can NOT accept sub-standard improvements. The developer is in business to make money and making the roads wide enough to safely accommodate the traffic is not something they are willing to do. We as citizens should not be forced to accept road improvements that do not meet the minimum standards. If the developer will not fix them to the minimum standard, then they should not be allowed to develop there. Our safety and the safety of our children is not worth it. 

This issue isn’t done yet! 

This comes before City Council on April 19. Email City Council (email: council@suffolkva.us) and tell them you do not want this approved. We as citizens can come together and let them know what we want for our city.