Concerns over the proposed widening of Route 175 dominated the Accomack Board of Supervisors meeting on July 16, 2025, as local residents voiced their frustrations and sought clarity on the project. Gary Garvey, a resident directly affected by the changes, questioned why the county was leading the initiative on a state road and expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the widening in alleviating traffic congestion.

Garvey highlighted the dangers of the current road conditions, particularly the narrow causeway that many RV drivers have deemed hazardous. He urged officials to provide a detailed map of the proposed changes, emphasizing that the widening might not resolve the congestion issues he experiences daily. “If widening the road is trying to stop congestion, it’s my opinion that somebody really needs to look into this,” he stated, drawing parallels to the Bay Bridge's traffic flow.

Bill Sarver, another local resident, echoed Garvey's sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of communication regarding the project. He noted that while he had to navigate extensive permissions for his own property developments, he had received no direct information about the road widening plans. Sarver questioned the logic behind taking property from residents to widen a road that would ultimately bottleneck at the causeway.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among constituents about transparency and the planning process for infrastructure changes in their community. Residents are calling for more engagement from officials and clearer communication regarding the implications of the road widening. As the Board of Supervisors continues to discuss the project, the community awaits answers and a clearer vision for the future of Route 175.