NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is holding a public hearing Tuesday evening on a proposed Interstate 64 diamond interchange in Newport News.
The interchange will be at Denbigh Boulevard and aims to improve safety for drivers, reduce congestion, and expand access to the area, according to VDOT. It will be made in two phases: the first includes the construction of westbound on and off-ramps and the second includes eastbound ramps and other improvements.
RELATED: VDOT plans new interchange at I-64 and Denbigh Blvd in Newport News; public hearing planned
Tuesday night's hearing will allow officials to share information about the plans and get feedback from the public. It will take place at the Denbigh Community Center on Warwick Boulevard from 5 to 7 p.m.
Ahead of the meeting, neighbors told 13News Now they are optimistic about what they will learn but also a bit concerned.
"I really don't want it to impact our parking or our Sunday morning worship time," said Jessie Simon Junior, a pastor at The Word Works Worship Center.
Simon's church sits directly on Denbigh Boulevard, and he said he has a front-row seat of the traffic issues surrounding the area. He said while he is in support of more access ramps, he is worried about the impacts it will have on his church.
"We just opened up an Academy for children, and we need to make sure that people can still access us as well," said Simon. "We just want VDOT to remember the people who live here as well."
According to VDOT's draft environmental assessment, the state could partially take part in The Word Works Worship Center to make way for the interchange.
The proposed plan could also include "four full acquisitions" of residential property that would be obtained through the state's Right of Way policies.
"It's exactly these concerns and questions that we want to hear, and together learn more about the project," said Megan Shearin, a communications specialist with VDOT. "We highly encourage everyone to join us in this meeting at Denbigh Community Center."
During the hearing, people will be able to see project exhibits on display, ask questions of VDOT representatives, and provide input. VDOT said the meeting will be open house-style and won't have a formal presentation.
For those who are unable to make the meeting, comments and questions about the project will still be accepted online up until July 5th.
Here's where you can find more information about the projects: