Accomack Board votes to kill Rt 176 road diet

Following a public hearing, the Accomack Board of Supervisors voted to request that VDOT cancel plans to make Rt 179 from Rt 13 in Onley to Hill Street in Onancock a 3 lane highway with a bike path included.

Three speakears addressed the Board, Onley resident Billye D. Custis, Onley Town Manager Susan Rillo and Donna Belote. All opposed the proposed project citing heavy traffic in the area partially generated by the entrance to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital being on that route.

Rillo told the Board that she represented the Onley Town Council, which opposed the project. Belote said that both firetrucks and ambulances which use the road heavily are a lot larger than they were in the 70s when the then two lane road was expanded to a four lane road. Belote also mentioned that the proposed new housing project would increase traffic on the road as well.

County manager Mike Mason said that if the Board withdrew its support of the project, it would be removed by VDOT.