CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. - This Thanksgiving, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and motorists who have been eagerly awaiting their first ride from Interstate 64 to Interstate 95 using Route 288 will have a lot to be thankful for. Friday morning area legislators, local officials and Secretary of Transportation Whitt Clement gathered to open the final portion of Route 288 between Lucks Lane and Midlothian Turnpike (Route 60) in Chesterfield County. The final link will allow motorists to make a continuous 32-mile trip from I-64 in Goochland County to I-95 in Chesterfield County for the first time.

VDOT and Vecillio and Grogan, the contractor building the final portion of Route 288, have concentrated efforts to allow traffic to use this segment before the onset of the holiday season and winter weather. However, construction activities in this area of Route 288 may continue until mid 2005. Drivers can expect continued lane restrictions and reduced speed limits for the next several months and are urged to use caution when traveling through this area.

The speed limit will be posted at 55 mph until construction is completed in mid 2005. The speed limit will then be raised to 65 mph.

The only portion of the project not to be opened to traffic by Nov. 19 is the new Woolridge Road interchange. Work continues in earnest with a goal of opening this interchange to traffic by the end of 2004.

“We’re very thankful for all of the patience motorists have shown us while we constructed this new highway and for the hard work of VDOT crews and contractors to reach the goal of opening today,” said Thomas A. Hawthorne, P.E., VDOT’s Richmond district administrator. “Route 288 will aid commuters who live and work in the western Richmond region, and it will provide a new timesaving alternative for through-travelers who use I-64 east into the city to access I-95 south.”

Route 288 was dedicated as the World War II Veterans Memorial Highway in August. More information

Page last modified: Nov. 20, 2006