RICHMOND, VA – This week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) sent notice to Delegate Wren Williams (R – Stuart) that they had concluded their traffic study and would be installing “Not Recommended for Tractor Trailers – GPS Routing Not Advised” signs at the entrances to Route 640 Central Academy Road. At press time, a Google representative added that they would downgrade the ‘road priority’ for Google Maps, so fewer drivers will be routed to use the road.
Del. Williams presented the situation to VDOT in Fall 2022 after constituents expressed concerns about tractor-trailers using Route 640 as a shortcut between Route 8 and Route 58. Route 640 features blind curves, small bridges, and long sections with only one lane, making it hazardous for tractor-trailers and a safety concern for local drivers. The following statement can be attributed to Del. Williams:
“This is fantastic news for my constituents who live on Route 640. With their cooperation, I was able to work alongside VDOT and representatives from Google to find a solution to this problem.
“It is an honor to be in a position where I can deliver real results for Virginia. For too long Southwest Virginia has been forgotten by Richmond. I am proud to be the voice for our community and I look forward to continuing to fight for the people of Southwest Virginia.”
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Wren Williams is the sitting delegate representing Virginia’s 9th House District, serving on the Committees on Public Safety, Privileges and Elections, and Courts of Justice. Since redistricting, Williams is running for re-election in Virginia’s newly-drawn 47th House District. Outside of politics, Wren lives with his wife, Britt, and son, Rhett, in Stuart, VA. Wren and Britt own and operate Schneider & Williams Law Firm.