A request by Northampton County to lower the speed limit near the Food Lion shopping center in Cape Charles has been denied by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) following a traffic study of the corridor.
VDOT determined that the data did not support reducing the current speed limit along U.S. Route 13 near the shopping center. This marks the third time in recent years that Northampton County has asked the state to lower speeds in the area.
The corridor has seen increased activity in recent years, including the addition of two traffic signals and continued commercial/traffic growth. Local officials also noted that the area will soon include a crossing for the Eastern Shore Rail Trail, which is expected to bring additional pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Despite these changes, VDOTβs evaluation concluded that existing traffic conditions do not meet the stateβs criteria required to justify a lower posted speed limit.
With the tourism and travel season on the horizon, the County is concerned about safety along the busy corridor, particularly with the growing number of vehicles entering and exiting businesses near the shopping center.
The planned completion of the Cheriton-to-Cape Charles bike trail also raised hopes that speed reductions could improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
However, VDOT indicated that recently installed and planned pedestrian crossing improvements near the Food Lion may help address safety concerns without modifying the speed limit.
The intersection has already seen improvements, including traffic signal installations and additional crossing infrastructure designed to manage increased activity in the area. Officials remain hopeful that these measures, combined with driver awareness, will improve safety as the trail project moves forward.
The Eastern Shore Rail Trail extension between Cheriton and Cape Charles is currently under construction and is expected to significantly increase non-motorized travel around the corridor once completed.
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GolfCart Lobby in Shock!
GolfCart afficionados plan a “No Kings against Northampton County Golfcart Invasion” rally soon.
Cash filled manila envelope$ to persuade VDOT officials to change their minds being prepared and rumors of militant acts are running rampant.
Oh, The Horror
What a mess Cape Charles has caused for the rest of us!
The only viable solution to safely crossing Rt.13 is an overpass for the golfcart/Bike trail.
It won’t be long before the drunken tourist avoid all safety signs at the crossings and get injured. Someone is going to die. This trail is a waste of taxpayer’s money.
No matter how many times you present facts or safety concerns. The idiots in Cape Charles are going to do anything to to get that tourist dollars.
I can’t wait to see how much that overpass is going to cost the taxpayers.
Cape Charles has gotten to big for its britches!
What a mess Cherri is causing for Cape Charles.
Mr. Luther, when a drunken tourist gets run down or sideswiped trying to cross 13 he and his family will hit the lottery by suing the poor local resident he staggers out in front of.
Pedestrians and golfcarts will have the right of way.
Looks like they are setting up the ultimate ClusterFoxtrot…