VDOT Opens One Lane Of New Flyover Ramp

After a series of delays and setbacks, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is finally ready to open a single lane of the new I-295/I-64 flyover ramp. The new flyover will carry motorists from Interstate 64 westbound to Interstate 295 northbound and relieve the current exit loop, which is aging and overcrowded. VDOT Spokeswoman Dawn Eischen gives us all the details in this official press release:

Drivers along I-64 east in western Henrico County will soon enjoy faster and safer access to I-295 thanks to a new, two-lane flyover ramp and extra travel lane between Route 288 and I-295. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) expects to open one lane of the new flyover bridge to traffic by 8 p.m. The third travel lane along I-64 east will also open.

The flyover ramp replaces the current loop from I-64 east to I-295 south. “The existing double traffic loop requires I-64 east drivers to maneuver around merging traffic in order to access I-295 south,” said project manager Ray Johnston. “We expect more than 14,000 drivers will use the new flyover ramp each day, greatly reducing congestion and the potential for crashes at this interchange.”

Once the new flyover ramp is open, I-64 east motorists coming from Route 288 will have a dedicated travel lane to I-295. This extra lane increases I-64 east from two to three lanes. “Since opening Route 288 in 2004, eastbound traffic has increased 40 percent,” said Johnston. “Having this additional travel lane should cut down on congestion, particularly during morning rush hour.”

To alert motorists to the new traffic pattern, VDOT has placed variable message signs along I-64 east prior to the new flyover ramp. Once the new flyover ramp is open, existing access to I-295 from I-64 east will be closed. Drivers will access I-295 via the new flyover bridge using the far right lane on I-64 east. “Expect the greatest delays during the morning rush hour this week as drivers get used to the new traffic pattern.” said Johnston. .

The $67 million project is 92 percent complete. Final completion is expected in May 2009. Work remaining for this project includes:
Rehabilitation of the existing I-295 north bridge over I-64
Demolition of the I-295 south bridge over I-64
Completion of the soundwall behind Cobblestone Landing and Waters Edge (Twin Hickory neighborhoods) adjacent to I-295 north
Widening ramps to and from I-64 west at I-295