RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Dawn Eischen 804-524-6179 Richmondinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov Taya Moss 804-524-6094

RICH-0093 Jan. 11, 2006

VDOT Begins Second Phase of I-64 Bridge Widening & Rehabilitation Project

HENRICO COUNTY, Va.—The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has begun the second phase of the three-year, three-phase project to widen and rehabilitate the Interstate 64 bridge over the Acca railroad switching yard. Beginning Monday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m., weather permitting, motorists traveling from I-195 north to I-64 west will be restricted from crossing the construction zone and exiting onto Staples Mill Road (exit 185). Motorists are encouraged to use the following alternate routes:

• Alternate #1: Motorists traveling I-195 north to I-64 west can access Staples Mill Road by continuing on I-64 west to Glenside Drive north (exit 183C). Follow the detour signs to Staples Mill Road.
• Alternate #2: Motorists traveling north on I-195 can take the West Broad Street exit (via W. Clay St. to Roseneath Rd. to W. Broad St.). Turn right on W. Broad St. and continue to Staples Mill Road. NOTE: Due to the tight turning radius, this alternate route is less suitable for truck traffic.

The Staples Mill Road exit ramps will remain accessible to vehicles already traveling on I-64. Work zones will be in place around the clock for the duration of the project due to the scope of this work. Three lanes of traffic will remain in each direction on I-64 with nighttime lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as needed. Motorists can expect delays in this area, especially during peak travel times.

This $23 million construction project involves rehabilitation and widening of the I-64 bridge over the Acca railroad-switching yard. This project will not only improve the current 37 year-old structure, but will also reduce congestion at the Bryan Park interchange and provide two additional lanes of travel in each direction (for a total of 10 lanes), offering a continuous merge lane from Staples Mill Road to the Laburnum Avenue/I-195 interchange.

"We appreciate everyone’s patience as we widen and rehabilitate the bridge," said Ray Johnston, VDOT project manager. “We are extremely pleased that the project is roughly 30 days ahead of schedule.” The contract with Archer Western Contractors, Ltd. includes a $1 million incentive if the second phase of the project is completed by November 1, 2006, which would eliminate the I-195 north/I-64 west to Staples Mill Road exit restriction.

VDOT held a public hearing in October 2002 and a town hall meeting in November 2004 to gather citizen feedback on this project and to allow individuals a chance to preview potential traffic impacts. The third phase is scheduled to begin in late 2006. During this phase, contractors will restore all traffic access to the Staples Mill Road exit. Lane width restrictions will be in place while crews continue work to rehabilitate the bridge. The entire project is expected to be completed by late 2007.

For more information about the I-64 Acca Yard bridge widening and rehabilitation project, visit the project Web page.

Page last modified: Monday, November 20, 2006