Expansion of 610 on time

By Uriah A. Kiser

Published: May 14, 2008

STAFFORD — Jimmy the Greek says enough is enough: It is time to finish the expansion of Garrisonville Road, or he’s closing up shop.
Jimmy Zotos, owner of Jimmy the Greek restaurant, moved his business to its Garrisonville Road location from south Stafford over a year ago. He said his business has declined nearly 40 percent due to the construction.

“It’s just horrible out there, all of this construction, and when are they going to be finished?” asked Zotos.

The restaurateur said that orange plastic, traffic cones and piping for months have littered his parking lot, driving customers away.
Zotos also added that his business taxes imposed by the county have skyrocketed more than $2,000 because of the construction, hitting him hard in the wallet.

“If they’re not done soon I just may have to move back to [U.S.] 17,” said Zotos.

The roadway is being widened from four lanes to six, from Staffordboro Boulevard to Onville Road, according to Tina Bundy of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Bundy said that once the work is complete, a new traffic signal at Dunn Drive and a newly-constructed concrete median will prevent motorists from darting out into oncoming traffic. Drivers will only be able to turn from the roadway’s signal-controlled intersections.

“These are great safety features that will make the road much safer,” said Bundy.

Unfortunately for Zotos, the road will not be finished until June of next year, at a cost of $5.1 million.

Bundy said though the project has hit minor delays, as crews were unexpectedly required to relocate utility lines, it is in budget and will be completed on time.

According to VDOT, Garrisonville Road carried more than 52,000 vehicles per day in 2004, and is projected to carry 85,000 by the year 2014.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the Garrisonville Road improvements more than 10 years ago.