Two lawsuits filed in Mathews against the Virginia Commissioner of Highways went to trial last month, but while verdicts were handed down, the cases still aren’t settled. Compensation remains to be determined during a jury trial scheduled for Jan. 26-27.

The cases both arose from the Virginia Department of Transportation’s plans to improve drainage in downtown Mathews. The plans include installing larger underground pipes at three sites. The pipes will cross under the roadway and eventually end up in a drainage ditch that flows into Put-In Creek. The $5.7 million project has been on hold for over a year awaiting the outcome of the lawsuits.

VDOT prevailed in last month’s case, with the court deciding that the department has a right to easements for drainage over the properties, but the amount to be paid the property owners for the easements will be determined during the jury trial in January.

VDOT began the process of obtaining drainage easements on the properties ...