RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Rachel Nestor (757) 572-8432 l.robinson@VDOT.virginia.gov Luefras Robinson 757-925-1516

HRO-646 Sept. 21, 2006

VDOT SHIFTED TRAFFIC ON BATTLEFIELD BOULEVARD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT THIS MORNING

Motorists Should Drive Safely Through New Traffic Pattern on Battlefield Boulevard

CHESAPEAKE – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and contractor E.V. Williams closed the exit loops and shifted traffic onto ramps at the I-64 Battlefield Boulevard Project in Chesapeake this morning at 12 a.m. The new traffic pattern will allow crews to begin rebuilding the Battlefield Boulevard overpass on I-64.

“It will probably take a few weeks for drivers to adjust to the new traffic pattern,” said Michael Johnson, VDOT’s Project Manager for the I-64 Battlefield Boulevard Project. “Drivers may want to plan extra time into their commute or think about using alternate routes to avoid congestion during this phase of construction.”

Crews closed the loops off of I-64 at exit 290 that carry traffic on and off Battlefield Boulevard and moved traffic onto ramps early this morning. Traffic signals were installed at the top of the ramps on Battlefield Boulevard to help motorists turn left.

With the new traffic pattern, there will only be one exit in each direction from I-64 onto Battlefield Boulevard, and motorists will need to choose which direction they would like to travel on Battlefield Boulevard after they exit. The traffic pattern is expected to be in place for two years.

This work is part of the I-64 Battlefield Boulevard construction project scheduled for completion in July 2009. Motorists can visit www.i64info.com for more information or to sign up for weekly e-mail updates, see construction progress and learn about any lane closures or traffic switches. Motorists can also call 511 or listen to 610AM for up-to-date traffic reports.


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