Hampton Roads District projects

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is constructing a new diamond interchange at Interstate 64 (I-64) and Denbigh Boulevard in the City of Newport News. This new interchange would serve as an additional access point along I-64 between Fort Eustis Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue.

This concept will be constructed in two phases.

Phase 2 of the project will construct the eastbound I-64 access ramps as well as the widening of the Denbigh Boulevard Bridge over I-64 to accommodate turn lanes.

Some of the major components of the I-64 at Denbigh Blvd. Interchange Phase 2 project include:

• Installation of the I-64 east on- and off-ramps on Denbigh Boulevard with second signalized intersection.
• Widen the Denbigh Boulevard bridge to reduce traffic congestion and queueing and improve safety. 

Benefits

Implementing a new interchange is projected to provide additional mobility and access options to the established urban areas of northern Newport News. Additionally, the interchange is projected to divert demand away from other facilities (Jefferson Avenue) and alleviate congestion at adjacent interchanges that are projected to operate near capacity, particularly at the Jefferson Avenue Interchange with I-64.

This project is located in Norfolk and includes improvements to the Interstate 564 (I-564) Intermodal Connector highway that connects I-564 to Hampton Boulevard.

The purpose of this Air Terminal Interchange-eastern intersection project is to support Naval operations, facilities and emergency readiness by designing and constructing a new intersection within the eastern side of the I-564 Intermodal Connector.  The eastern intersection will create a new interchange connecting the Naval Station’s residences and facilities in the Camp Allen area directly to the I-564 Intermodal Connector for improved access to I-564 and Hampton Boulevard. The proposed plans for the eastern intersection also include the construction of a bridge spanning the railway and the I-564 Intermodal Connector’s eastbound lanes.

Benefits

 The new eastern intersection will include the following:

• Contruction of new bi-directional access road from nearby Camp Allen area to the Intermodal Connector. Vehicles will be able to enter the Intermodal Connector directly from the Naval Station's residences and facilities in the Camp Allen area. 
• Addition of a full interchange at the northern connection point with the Intermodal Connector to allow vehicles traveling from Camp Allen faster and easier access to points east or westbound on the Intermodal Connector. 
• Construction of a new bride spanning the railway and the Intermodal Connector's eastbound lanes. 

This improvements project is intended to increase capacity and reduce congestion along Route 17 (George Washington Memorial Highway), starting from 0.15 mile south of Grafton Drive to 0.27 mile south of Old York-Hampton Highway (Route 634) in York County. 

The proposed plans include the widening of approximately 0.71 mile of Route 17 in both directions, from four to six travel lanes, between Wolf Trap Road (Route 630) and just north of Denbigh Boulevard (Route 173). Once complete, the new roadway will consist 11-foot travel lanes, a graded median and new curb along the outside of the roadway. 

The proposed plans also include intersection improvements at Route 17 and Denbigh Boulevard, as well as updated traffic signals.

Project information provided at the Design Public Hearing held on April 28, 2022, is listed below:

• Project Brochure
• Display Boards of Project Corridor Sections:
  • South of Grafton Drive to south of Brick Church Road
  • South of Brick Church Road to south of Old York - Hampton Highway
• Display board of new roadway typical section

Sign up for the project email list here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/WNcA5E0/Rt17project

Benefits

The proposed improvements are intended to increase vehicle capacity, reduce congestion, improve safety and reliability and support economic development along this critical transportation corridor in York County.

Major milestones

Estimated Project Schedule:

• Begin right-of-way activities: Fall 2023
• Advertise for construction: Late 2026
• Award contract and begin construction: 2027

This Air Terminal Interchange-western intersection project is located in Norfolk and includes improvements to the Interstate 564 (I-564) Intermodal Connector highway that connects I-564 to Hampton Boulevard.

The purpose of this project is to support Naval operations, facilities and emergency readiness by designing and constructing a new intersection within the western side of the I-564 Intermodal Connector.  The intersection is designed to expand the existing one-directional ramp between the I-564 Intermodal Connector and Seabee Road to accommodate two-way traffic and support access to Naval Station Norfolk’s pass office, the commercial vehicle inspection station and entrance gates 5 and 6. 

Benefits 

The new western intersection will include the following:

• Contruction of expanded lanes between Seabee Road and the Intermodal Connector to allow for bi-directional traffic. Vehicles will be able to enter the Intermodal Connector directly from Hampton Boulevard. 
• Installation of new turn lanes for vehicles traveling from Hampton Boulevard to points east or westbound on the Intermodal Connector.
• Addition of an intersection signal on the Intermodal Connector.
• A buffer separation along Intermodal Connector eastbound to deter truck access to Hampton Boulevard (via the Western Intersection) from exiting NIT North Gate traffic.  (*updated design feature in response to public hearing feedback)

The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) Interchange Improvements project is located in the City of Suffolk. The proposed project will replace the at-grade crossing with Route 13/58/460 with a flyover ramp for the eastbound traffic entering SPSA Regional Landfill. The project is located from approximately 2.54 miles west of Suffolk City Limits to approximately 0.43 miles east of Route 13/58/460. 

The principal arterial in this corridor has three general purpose lanes in each direction. The proposed design includes a right exit in the eastbound direction to the SPSA landfill entrance. This ramp will include a proposed bridge over Route 13/58/460.

Some of the major components of the SPSA Interchange Improvements project include:

• New Ramp
• New flyover bridge over Route 13/58/460
• Drainage Design
• Right of Way Impacts
• Utility Relocations

Click here to view or download the draft plan image shown above for more detail.

Benefits

The primary purpose of this project is to improve the safety of the SPSA Regional Landfill entrance and eliminate the crossover traffic conflicts.

As part of the overall Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Project, two segments of the shared-use path will be constructed on the railbed of the former Bay Coast Railroad, one in the town of Cape Charles and one in the town of Cheriton.

A design public hearing for this project is scheduled from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The public hearing will be held at the Cheriton Volunteer Fire Company, 21334 South Bayside Road, Cheriton, VA 23316. Additional details can be found on the public involvement tab below.

Cape Charles Segment

A 2.17-mile segment will start in the town of Cape Charles at the intersection of Mason Avenue and Fig Street and end at Route 13 (Lankford Highway) and Country Place. Construction will include the installation of a trailhead parking lot at Mason Avenue and Fig Street in Cape Charles.

The estimated cost for this segment is $3.69 million. 

A map of the proposed segment can be found in the photo tab below.

Cheriton Segment

A 1.4-mile segment will start at Route 13 (Lankford Highway) and Country Place and end at Sunnyside Road in the town of Cheriton. Construction will include the installation of a trailhead parking lot just north of Country Place.

Another component of this project is the addition of 0.5-miles of striped bicycle lanes on Sunnyside Road from the shared-use path to Business Route 13 (South Bayside Road) in the town of Cheriton.

The estimated cost for this segment is $2.35 million.

A map of the proposed segment can be found in the photo tab below.

Benefits

Upon completion, the overall Eastern Shore Rail to Trail would offer 49.1-miles of a primarily flat and straight right of way, presenting an opportunity for a shared-use path connecting communities, businesses, and State/Federal parks throughout Northampton and Accomack Counties.

As the railbanked right of way of the Bay Coast Railroad runs mostly parallel to Route 13 (Lankford Highway), a VDOT-designated Corridor of Statewide Significance, there is opportunity to reduce conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians and bicyclists on Route 13 with a parallel shared-use path.

More importantly, the shared-use path would improve pedestrian and cyclist mobility, accessibility, and safety by providing a separate, dedicated facility to those more vulnerable users of the state’s transportation infrastructure. 

For more information on the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study, visit the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study webpage.

The proposed project will extend the westbound Route 171 (Victory Boulevard) right turn lane at Kiln Creek Parkway to create a fourth general purpose travel lane in the westbound direction.

The project involves joining and extending the two existing smaller roadway segments, (the existing merge lane and separate right-turn lane), on westbound Victory Boulevard between the Walmart Supercenter (Store #3265) and Kiln Creek Parkway intersection, creating a full-length westbound travel lane between these points.

The proposed widened travel lane will improve safety in the corridor by lengthening the weave area for motorists destined for the Kiln Creek community, businesses at the Pavilion at Kiln Creek or the Interstate 64 interchange. 

The proposed improvements on westbound Route 171 will occur from points 0.036 miles to 0.215 miles east of the Route 171 intersection with Kiln Creek Parkway, encompassing a total project length of 0.179 miles.  Eastbound travel lanes on Route 171 will not be changed by this project. 

This project is part of the Virginia Highway Safety Improvements Program.

A design public hearing for this project is scheduled for March 28, 2024.  Details are below in the Public Involvement tab. 

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is constructing a new diamond interchange at Interstate 64 (I-64) and Denbigh Boulevard in the City of Newport News. This new interchange would serve as an additional access point along I-64 between Fort Eustis Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue.

This concept will be constructed in two phases.

Phase 1 will construct the westbound I-64 access ramp along with improvements at the Denbigh Boulevard intersections with Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue. 

Some of the major components of the I-64 at Denbigh Blvd. Interchange Phase 1 project include:

• I-64 west off-ramp.
• Widen I-64 to support the off-ramp.
• I-64 west on-ramp and signal.
• Widen Denbigh Boulevard for diamond A design.
• Improvements at Denbigh Boulevard intersections with Warwick Avenue and Jefferson Avenue.

Benefits

Implementing a new interchange is projected to provide additional mobility and access options to the established urban areas of northern Newport News. Additionally, the interchange is projected to divert demand away from other facilities (Jefferson Avenue) and alleviate congestion at adjacent interchanges that are projected to operate near capacity, particularly at the Jefferson Avenue Interchange with I-64.

Project plans include construction of a new 1,544-foot bridge over the causeway to bring the roadway surface elevation above the 100-year flood plan and to ensure safe evacuation during tidal events. Construction will also include intersection improvements at Cary’s Chapel Road, provide sidewalks for pedestrian accommodation and widen Wythe Creek Road (Route 172) to three lanes south of the Cary’s Chapel Road intersection to Langley Boulevard for travel into Hampton.

The average daily traffic (ADT) along Wythe Creek Road is approximately 16,000 vehicles per day.

Benefits

The primary purpose of the project is to raise the existing causeway elevation for emergency evacuation and to widen the roadway to accommodate future traffic volumes. The project will include work on portions of Wythe Creek Road in Poquoson and Hampton, including the causeway.

In Poquoson, an 8-foot sidewalk will be constructed on the east side of the road and a 5-foot sidewalk will be constructed on the west side of the road from the Cary’s Chapel intersection to the northern project limit of the project approximately, 2,000 feet south of Victory Boulevard. The existing two lanes will be retained north of Cary’s Chapel in Poquoson.

The Hampton portion of the project includes widening Wythe Creek Road to three lanes, curb and gutter installation, and a 10-foot sidewalk to the east side of the expanded roadway. This project also includes widening the causeway and bridge over Wythe Creek.  Once completed, the project provides a three-lane reversible roadway in Hampton, with two lanes being operated in the southbound direction in the AM peak hour, and two lanes in the northbound direction in the PM peak hour. The center lane will operate as a two-way center left turn lane in the off-peak hours. 

Additionally, the project includes: 

• installation of a new signal at the intersection of Cary’s Chapel Road and modification of the existing signals at the Voyager Drive and Langley Boulevard intersections,  
• repurposing of the existing roadway over the causeway to a sidewalk/multi-use path to connect to the new sidewalks in Poquoson to provide continuous pedestrian access within the project area, and 
• installation of additional street lighting and improved roadway drainage.  

Adjoining segments of Interstate 64 between Hampton Roads and Richmond have been previously widened to six lanes or greater, with the portion between the two metropolitan areas containing only 4 lanes - hence this middle area has been known as “the gap.” This stretch of I-64 forces drivers to put on the brakes - congestion is notorious and continues to grow in the gap – disrupting one of Virginia’s most important thoroughfares.

The I-64 Gap Segment C Widening Project includes the addition of one general purpose lane on I-64 east and west from the New Kent/James City County line to approximately 1.15 miles west of Route 199 (exit 234).

This specific project will be the second of three “Gap” segments that will widen I-64 from four to six lanes from New Kent County (mile marker 204.9) to James City County (mile marker 233.3). The proposed widening will take place in the median of I-64 within the existing right-of-way.   

Adding a third lane in each direction creates an opportunity connector, unifying Richmond and Hampton Roads, growing the economy, improving the environment, and providing equitable opportunities for all. Virginia recognizes the importance of connecting these regions and has steadily invested almost $600M in this corridor, completing 21 miles of widening in the Newport News area and 5 miles in eastern Richmond. These efforts, combined with the expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and the creation of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes network demonstrate a commitment to providing infrastructure that will be a solid foundation to deliver opportunities for all. 

Other proposed segments addressing the gap include the New Kent - I-64 GAP Segment A Widening managed from within VDOT Richmond District.  

Benefits

• Major work items included in the construction of segment C are: 

  • 9 miles of I-64 roadway widening and pavement rehabilitation
  • 2 bridge widening/rehabilitations (I-64 East/West over Six Mount Zion Road)
  • Paving the Lightfoot Park & Ride lot
  • Overhead signage and ITS systems
  • Sound barrier walls
  • Retaining walls
  • Storm drainage box culverts and pipes

This project will widen Croaker Road (Route 607), between Richmond Road (Route 60) and the Croaker Road intersections of Point O Woods Road (Route 1647) and Maxton Lane (Route 758). 

Major work items include:

• Widening of Croaker Road from two lanes to four lanes by adding two additional lanes on the west side of Croaker Road between Richmond Road and Point O Woods Road/Maxton Lane with a raised median.
• Improvement of the turn lanes and a new pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection of Croaker Road and The Station at Norge Apartments.
• A separate left turn lane for southbound traffic to the soon-to-be constructed Norge Center.
• A dedicated thru-lane for southbound traffic at the intersection of Croaker Road & Richmond Road.
• An exclusive right-turn lane for southbound traffic at the intersection of Croaker Road and Rose Lane (Route 760).
• New shared-use path on the west side of Croaker Road, from Richmond Road to just south of Rose Lane. Pedestrian and bike traffic on the path will be able to continue across Croaker Road with a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (also known as a HAWK) signal to access the James City County Library on the east side of the roadway.
• New southbound bridge crossing over the CSX rail tracks. The bridge will be built to accommodate additional two lanes of travel and a shared use path, which will be separated from traffic lanes by a concrete parapet and steel railing.

Benefits 

The purpose of this project is to add capacity and accommodate anticipated future growth along Croaker Road. 

Widening the existing two-lane roadway to four lanes and providing wider outside lanes to accommodate bicycles, as well as the addition of a shared use path and crosswalks, will facilitate pedestrian, bikeway and metropolitan connectivity in a growing area with new residential housing, a public library, public schools and commercial areas. 

As part of the roadway widening portion of the project, crews will widen the two 9-foot lanes on Penniman Road to 11-foot lanes between Fillmore Drive and Alexander Lee Parkway that will include bicycle lanes and curb and gutter. Additionally, the project is designed to improve the safety of traffic movements at Penniman Road and Government Road by reconfiguring the current “Y” intersection that is shared with William Carter Road, to an additional separate “T” intersection nearby. Additional construction activities include the construction of temporary and permanent stormwater management basins, installation of storm drains and other utility work.

Motorists may encounter single-lane closures and periods of full closures of portions of the roadway as needed.  The public will be advised of scheduled full closures or significant traffic shifts that may occur during the project.

The $3.8 million construction contract was awarded to Henry S. Branscome, Inc. in December 2023. Construction is estimated to be complete as early as summer 2025. All work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change.

Construction is estimated to be complete as early as summer 2025. All work is weather- and schedule-dependent; therefore, this schedule is subject to change.

Benefits

This project is designed to improve safety by widening the lane widths on Penniman Road, adding bicycle accommodations, and realigning the intersection with Government Road.

Traffic alerts and project updates

• Portion of Penniman Road temporarily reduced to single-lane of travel daily for utility work in York County
• Construction to start on Penniman Road roadway improvements project
• Portion of Penniman Road to close to through traffic for roadway improvements project in York County

Major milestones

• The $3.8 million construction contract was awarded to Henry S. Branscome, Inc., in December 2023
• Construction began in February 2024

The project is located on Route 178 (Shields Bridge Road) in the Hampton Roads District in Accomac Residency.  The bridge replacement project is located on Route 178 (Shields Bridge Road) from milepost 2.55 to MP 2.74.

The purpose of this project is to replace the bridge on Route 178 over Occohannock Creek in Accomack County (Federal ID 356, VA Structure Number 1007).  The current bridge is a steel span bridge with a stringer, multi-beam girder, which VDOT has determined to be structurally deficient and in need of replacement. 

The existing bridge and approach roadway is a single lane facility classified as a Rural Major Collector. The bridge was built in 1933.  The existing bridge clearance is roughly 25 feet. The approaching roadway is approximately 21 feet wide.

The existing bridge will be demolished in a single phase of demolition with intent to close the bridge to traffic and re-route vehicles with a detour during construction.

Residents will be notified of potential traffic impacts and detours in advance of construction.

Benefits

The purpose of the project is to replace the existing bridge over Occohannock Creek.

The project includes replacement of the bridge over Occohannock Creek and approach roadway tie-in work on both sides. The current proposed bridge design provides more than 9-inches of additional vertical clearance than the existing bridge and previous designs.

The project also includes installation of sheet pile walls adjacent to Occohannock Creek in order to contain approach fill material. Guardrail is also proposed on all bridge approaches and departures.

The project is located in Surry County at the intersection of Route 10 (Colonial Trail East) with Route 617, known as Bacons Castle Trail to the north and White Marsh Road to the south.

Route 10 (Colonial Trail East) is a rural minor arterial roadway with a current average daily traffic (ADT) of 5,800 vehicles. The ADT is projected to be 9,400 vehicles per day in design year 2045. The posted speed limit is 45 MPH for this portion of Route 10 (Colonial Trail East). Route 617 (Bacons Castle Trail) is a rural major collector roadway with a current ADT of 1,200 vehicles and the projected ADT is 1,600 vehicles per day.  Route 617 (White Marsh Road) is a rural minor collector with a current ADT of 120 vehicles and the projected ADT is 160 vehicles per day.

The purpose of the project is to improve safety and create improved operational conditions by building left turn lanes on Route 10 (Colonial Trail East) and a right turn lane on Route 617 (Bacons Castle Trail). Improvements will also increase sight distance at the intersection for crossing traffic.

Benefits 

Intersection improvements will increase safety and create improved operational conditions at the intersection, and include the following:

• Creation of new left turn lanes on Route 10 (Colonial Trail East), turning onto Route 617,
• New right turn lane on Route 617 (Bacons Castle Trail) to turn onto Route 10,
• Land clearing to increase sight distance at the intersection for crossing traffic, and
• Shoulder improvements on all four quadrants of the intersection.

The rehabilitation project is designed to expand the lifespan of the existing two-lane bridge opened in 1975, that has experienced heavy deterioration while exposed to the corrosive marine environment. 

Benefits

The 1,500-foot-long bridge is comprised of a concrete deck, 27 spans of six pre-stressed concrete beams and one span of six steel beams, bearing on concrete abutments and bents supported by prestressed concrete piles. The existing bridge maintains a current daily traffic count of approximately 12,000 vehicles. 

The rehabilitation project will: 

• demolish and replace the superstructure of three concrete spans on the bridge and one additional steel beam,
• rehabilitate the remaining superstructure and various substructure elements, and
• replace the sidewalk, bridge barriers and water utility components as part of the project.  

Access to private property and businesses on Route 258/10 Business (South Church Street) will be maintained at all times. Marine-based construction activities are not expected to restrict water or channel access on Cypress Creek.  

Additional details to many Frequently Asked Questions for Route 258 Bridge Rehabilitation Project over Cypress Creek including the project's construction phases, detour routes, schedule and other facts are shared through this document.  For questions not answered, please reach out to the project contact shared at the bottom of this page.