RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Erin Gregg 757-925-2584 Sandy Shortridge 757-925-3627

HRO-0310 Jan. 29, 2003

Traffic pattern changes planned at Pinners Point project in Portsmouth

The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the off-ramp from westbound Route 58 to Wesley Street in Portsmouth on Monday, February 3 for about nine months. Crews will eventually tear down the existing ramp and build a new one in its place.

The closing is necessary so construction crews can install new bridge structures. Traffic will be rerouted to London Boulevard. Signs will be in place to direct motorists.

Crews will also close Quebec Street where it joins Harper Street beginning February 6 for about two weeks to install storm drains. Traffic will be directed back to Constitution Avenue. Residents of Quebec Street will have access.

The closings are part of the ongoing work on the $136 million Pinners Point Interchange Project. This project serves three major purposes – it removes traffic from the historic Port Norfolk neighborhood; provides a more direct route for industrial traffic to and from the terminal; and ensures faster, easier access to the Midtown Tunnel for commuters.


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