Gov. Bob McDonnell announced on Thursday that the Commonwealth Transportation Board advanced over $150 million in long-sought transportation improvement projects at its meeting in Richmond yesterday. These projects are being funded as a result of the Governor’s 2011 Transportation Funding and Reform Package.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Gov. McDonnell said “Addressing Virginia’s growing transportation challenges has been among my top priorities as Governor. In 2011, we took the first steps to address our transportation funding needs, and, as a result, we are advancing hundreds of phases of projects all throughout the Commonwealth. The projects advanced yesterday continue our efforts to reduce congestion, create jobs, and grow our economic prosperity. With the adoption of a historic transportation funding compromise this past General Assembly Session, we will soon be able to advance many more critical projects and continue to build Virginia’s road to the future.”
“These projects will help provide an improved, more effective transportation network that better manages congestion, saves citizens time and better connects motorists with some of Virginia’s most vital employment centers,” said Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton. “In particular, upon completion of the Interstate 395 improvement project in Alexandria, morning commuter traffic in and around and access to the Mark Center will be greatly improved. We are acting now to make improvements that will provide safe roads for our citizens and the quality of life they deserve.”
Among the $150 million in projects awarded yesterday are:
Replacing four bridge structures on Route 360 over the Chickahominy River in Hanover and Henrico counties – The $10 million project, awarded to Corman Construction, consists of replacing four bridge structures on Route 360 over the Chickahominy River. Three bridges are located in Henrico County and one is located in Hanover County. The bridges were built in 1923 and widened in 1941 and 1970. Expected project completion is Nov. 25, 2014.
Constructing a new HOV Ramp and Auxiliary Lane on Interstate 395 at Seminary Road (Mark Center) in the City of Alexandria – The $55 million project, awarded to Archer Western Construction, consists of constructing an Interstate 395 HOV ramp at Seminary Road and extending the I-395 northbound auxiliary lane. Expected project completion is Dec. 18, 2015.
Widening, drainage and intersection improvements on Route 17 in Stafford County – This $24 million project, awarded to Henderson Construction Co., relieves congestion on the Route 17 corridor in southern Stafford County by adding one through lane in the northbound and southbound direction of Route 17 from McClane Drive to just north of Stafford Lakes Parkway. The proposed section will consist of three north and southbound thru lanes, right turn lanes throughout and dual lefts where necessary. Expected project completion date is Dec. 1, 2016.
The CTB also took action to authorize VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley, to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the U.S. Navy to move forward with plans to improve access to Naval Station Norfolk and Norfolk International Terminals. Estimated at approximately $170 million, the improvements will include 1.6 miles of freeway, a new multi-lane Gate 6 for Naval Station Norfolk, access to the Pass Office, and a reconfigured Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station. With this MOA, the project will soon be able to advance to the bid stage.
Information about CTB meetings is available at: http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/
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