Hampton Roads District, December 2007

As we wrap up an active and successful 2007, we are looking forward to beginning a number of new projects and initiatives for Hampton Roads in 2008.

From Virginia’s Eastern Shore through metropolitan Hampton Roads and along the Peninsula out to the rural areas west to Greenville, our VDOT team has done amazing things this past year to ensure safe and efficient roads for our travelers. 

We have made a smooth transition of consolidating our area headquarters to become more efficient.

We have conducted a thorough review and inspection of bridges following the tragedy in Minnesota.

We’re continuing to move forward with the turnkey asset management system for interstate maintenance.

We have also made great progress with many of our construction activities with a commitment to remaining on time and on budget. 

As you will see in this report, we have continued to make tremendous strides in getting to green, a term we use for staying on track on the VDOT Dashboard.

Some of this year’s highlights include:

• The reconstruction of the Interchange 64/Battlefield Boulevard interchange in Chesapeake
  
  
• The widening of Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue on the Peninsula
  
  
• The replacement of the Chincoteague Bridge on the Eastern Shore
  
  
• The widening of Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach
  
  
• The Route 40 bridge replacement in Sussex and Surry counties
  
  
• The installation of hurricane evacuation gates along Interstates 64 and 664
  
  
• Many surface repaving projects throughout the District

Several other projects will begin very soon, including:

• The widening of Lynnhaven Parkway in Virginia Beach
  
  
• The widening of Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk
  
  
• The third phase of the Warwick Boulevard improvements in Newport News
  
  
• Paving projects on I-64 and Route 58

As you may be aware, we are moving forward with a request for conceptual proposals for the Midtown Tunnel Corridor Project under the Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA). It should be advertised in early 2008. 

Since this proposal will likely affect all our employees at the Midtown and Downtown tunnel facilities, members of my staff met with those working at:

• The Elizabeth River Tunnels
  
  
• The Hampton Road Bridge Tunnel
  
  
• The Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel

to explain the process for the PPTA what it may ultimately mean to them. 

These November meetings were held as part of our commitment to keeping our employees informed and provide them with information on this initiative as it is known.
 
Please take the time to review the information in this legislative update.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your local resident engineer or me.
   
Sincerely,

Dennis W. Heuer, P.E.
Hampton Roads District Administrator
Virginia Department of Transportation
(757) 925-2511
Dennis.Heuer@vdot.virgnina.gov

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