The Transportation Infrastructure and Funding Subcommittee of Virginia convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss key legislative proposals affecting rural road management and maintenance. The primary focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 1131, known as the rural road abandonment bill, presented by Senator Perry.

Senator Perry highlighted the significance of preserving over 250 miles of unpaved rural roads in his district, which are valued for their cultural, historical, and environmental importance. The bill aims to encourage local governments to consider discontinuing roads rather than abandoning them outright. Discontinuing a road would mean it is no longer maintained for vehicle use but remains a public right-of-way, allowing access for activities such as biking and walking.

The discussion included inquiries about the implications of discontinuing roads on maintenance responsibilities. Delegate Reed raised concerns regarding the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) role in maintaining roads that are discontinued. Joanne Baxeville from VDOT clarified that while abandoned roads would no longer be maintained and would cease to be publicly used, discontinued roads would still exist for public use, but VDOT would not be responsible for their upkeep.

Further questions arose regarding liability issues associated with potentially unsafe conditions on these roads, such as failing bridges. Senator Perry acknowledged these concerns but noted that the bill does not mandate localities to take specific actions, allowing them to consider such issues during the decision-making process.

Delegate Watts and Delegate Austin sought clarification on the types of roads affected by the bill, particularly regarding urban roads within Planning District 8. Ms. Maxwell from VDOT indicated that the bill primarily pertains to counties and does not explicitly reference municipal roads.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the ownership of rights-of-way following the abandonment of roads. Ms. Maxwell explained that if a road is abandoned, the ownership of the right-of-way would typically revert to the county or remain with VDOT, depending on the type of road.

Overall, the subcommittee's discussions underscored the complexities of managing rural roadways and the need for careful consideration of local needs and safety concerns in the legislative process. The next steps will involve further examination of the bill and its potential impacts on communities within Planning District 8.