After many meetings and residents expressing concern over the safety of the intersection of Kentucky Springs Road and Johnson Road/Haley Drive an old neighbor has stepped up to try and offer a solution.
On or around August 26, Dominion Energy will install temporary trailer-mounted traffic signals at the intersection of Kentucky Springs Road and Johnson Road/Haley Drive to help improve traffic safety and congestion during the upcoming North Anna Power Station refueling outages. At that intersection, located about one mile west of North Anna, Johnson Road turns into Haley Drive. Not only is this the turn into the North Anna Nuclear Power Station, but for the last two years it has been the turn for construction traffic working on the AWS data center at the Lake Anna Technology Campus.
This intersection had a flashing yellow (Kentucky Springs traffic) and a flashing red light (Johnson Road and Haley Drive) since 1993 but the boom, pole and foundation that once held this signal was damaged during a vehicle strike on June 30. Soon after that a serious accident occured involving a local resident and a worker commuting to the Lake Anna Technology Campus work site. Accidents have occured every week since at or near the intersection.
The new temporary traffic signals are intended to manage increased traffic at the intersection, particularly during station employee shift changes and equipment deliveries, and provide safer travel conditions for all motorists traveling through the area.
The signals are expected to remain in place through April 2027.
Motorists traveling through the area, including along Kentucky Springs Road, will be subject to a red light at times and must be prepared to stop when the light is red.
Dominion Energy encourages everyone to: Remain alert, reduce speed, and obey all traffic signals and signage. Allowing additional travel time during peak morning and evening commutes is also advised. Watch for workers, large vehicles, and other motorists entering and exiting the roadway.
“Safety is our top priority – for our employees, contractors, and the surrounding community,” said John McEnroe, Dominion Energy’s Director of Station Support for North Anna.
“We appreciate the coordination with VDOT, AWS, Clark Construction, and Louisa County to help manage traffic and make travel through the intersection more safe for everyone.”
The temporary signal installation is part of a broader effort by Dominion Energy to proactively address transportation impacts related to increased outage activity due to upgrades extending the operational life of the station. Other efforts include staggered shift turnover times and other traffic processing efficiency measures for vehicles coming to the station.
Louisa County Sheriff Donald Lowe told Lake Anna Life & Times: “I appreciate the commitment and partnership from County leadership, Dominion, VDOT and Clark Construction in getting this project completed. We believe these lights, although temporary, will enhance the safety of both our citizens and visitors traveling through this intersection while we continue working toward a more permanent solution. Please slow down and proceed safely as we continue to address this situation.”
“After many meetings and months of warning VDOT that the sitatuion at the intersection was unacceptable, at the August 3 Louisa County Board of Supervisors meeting I asked VDOT, Dominion and Clark Construction to provide a traffic safety plan to address ongoing issues at this dangerous intersection in 10 days. I am grateful for Dominion Energy’s willingness to lead the way with a solution. That is what a good corporate neighbor does,” said Cuckoo District Supervisor Christopher C. McCotter.
“I have been here over 40 years and watched this intersection become outdated and unsafe as the community has grown. The addition of the data center construction and the extended Dominion outage this fall will create a code red situation in my opinion and the opinion of many Cuckoo District residents. Thank goodness for Dominion and VDOT approving the plan. I hope it improves safety and we don’t have any more accidents.”
McCotter told Life & Times he has asked VDOT to plan/design roundabouts for the intersection of Kentucky Springs and Johnson Road/Haley Drive as well as for the intersection of Kentucky Springs and Rt. 208.
“[Roundabouts] can be a good option in locations that have sufficient pavement to accommodate turning radius, etc,” noted VDOT District Engineer Craig Simpson.
A hybrid roundabout has been discussed for the interestion of Kentucky Springs Road and Johnson Road/Haley Drive.
