VDOT Announces Three Year I-295 Flyover Project Finally Complete
After three years of construction and headaches for drivers, including barrels, cones, lane closures and traffic backups, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced the project is finally complete. Below is a press release from VDOT Spokeswoman Dawn Eischen regarding what has been done over the course of the project.
Drivers along I-64 and I-295 are enjoying a construction free commute today thanks to completion of the I-295 flyover project in the busy Short Pump area. The $67 million project finished within four days of its scheduled completion at an estimated $1.1 million under budget according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
“After three years of construction with numerous disruptions to drivers and residents, the project to alleviate congestion and safety problems at the I-295/I-64 interchange is finally complete,” said VDOT Richmond District Administrator Tom Hawthorne. “We appreciate everyone’s patience.
The three-year project involved the following improvements:
· New two lane flyover ramp that carries approximately 14,000 drivers per day from I-64 east to I-295
· Pouncey Tract Road bridge over I-64 widened from two to four lanes with a raised median and sidewalks
· Additional travel lane along I-64 east from Route 288 to I-295
· Additional travel lane along I-64 west from I-295 to Route 288
· Ramp from I-64 west to I-295 widened from one to two lanes
· Ramp from I-295 to I-64 west widened from one to two lanes
· New soundwall along I-295 north behind the Twin Hickory neighborhoods of Waters Edge, Cobblestone Landing and Parsons Walk
· New soundwall along I-64 east just west of Pouncey Tract Road behind the Reflections at West Creek apartments
· Rehabilitation of the existing I-295 north bridge over I-64
· Some paving within the project limits
· Traffic signal modifications on Pouncey Tract Road just north of Broad Street
Contractor, English Construction Company Inc. began construction in April 2006. The project improves traffic flow along I-64 between Route 288 and I-295. Previously, I-64 east drivers had to maneuver around merging traffic in order to access I-295. This resulted in several crashes and congestion at the interchange, particularly during rush hour. The dedicated ramp from I-64 east to I-295 allows for smoother traffic flow through the I-64/I-295 interchange.
All construction barrels and signs have been removed. In addition, the speed limit along I-64 east and west between Route 288 and Broad Street has been restored to 65 MPH.
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As one who moved into Twin Hickory in the fall of 2006, just after construction began, and one who travels the 295 to 64 east route each day on my way to work and 64 west/295 on my way home, I have to say this construction was done with minimal inconveniences to commuters. Rarely was there a back-up and the end result is wonderful. The English Construction Company should be applauded for the fine job they did.
Now, if only we could get that short section repaved from where construction ended on 295 as you enter 295 from 64 west and where I exit at Nuckols North. President Obama, do you have any stimulous money you can spare for this much-needed repaving? Actually, Mr. Obama, if you have the money, keep repaving for about 15+ miles so we don’t all have to drive in the far left lane to avoid the washboard-like highway!
There is already a repaving project on the schedule. It’s not a stimulus project, it was already in the works. VDOT just couldn’t do it as part of the flyover contract.
@Will Weaver – Well, that is great news! Any idea what the timetable is for the repaving?
@Karen Hurd Actually, I was wrong, that segment IS a stimulus project, although like I said VDOT couldn’t make it part of the flyover contract and it was always planned as a separate project (stimulus or not). They expect to begin paving this fall; they’re getting set to repave the segment of I-295 South between US 301 and Pole Green Road first, as it’s part of the oldest segment of I-295.