Residents oppose Webb Road abandonment; board declines to advance closure

The Scott County Board of Supervisors discussed a petition to abandon Webb Road (Route 662) but did not initiate the county abandonment process after residents and staff described safety, school-bus and farm-access implications.

County staff provided historical context and said a prior abandonment request in 1983 had been denied because school-bus access was affected. Staff outlined the formal abandonment process—posting a 30-day notice and holding a public hearing—and told the board that VDOT had no objection but the school system and local farmers had expressed concerns.

Several residents and property owners who use the road urged the board not to close it. One resident who said he farms in the area described the route as necessary for tractors, trailers and emergency access, and asked supervisors to inspect the intersection before considering closure. Dr. Donald Thurston, who identified himself as an owner on Webb Road, told the board, "It’s suicidal to go to the stop sign and try to go up that hill," arguing that removing the alternative route would create a dangerous traffic pattern and lengthen farm vehicle routes.

Board members noted the safety and access concerns, and the county decided not to pursue abandonment at that time. Supervisors directed staff to clear right-of-way brush and submit a work order to provide gravel and routine maintenance on the route rather than move forward with a closure process.