VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Safety improvements and flooding fixes are on the way to Sandbridge Road in Virginia Beach.
Crews started on the multi-million-dollar project last fall, but they still have a long way to go.
Drivers will notice construction crews line a mile stretch of Sandbridge Road, with the work zone ending near Sandpiper Road.
“We are hoping to eliminate some of those issues we’ve had over the years where the roadway either floods or is blocked,” said Virginia Beach Project Manager Ryan Johnson. “It could be because of a traffic accident or other issue."
Johnson works in the city's Public Works Transportation division.
“We are replacing the existing road with a new two-lane undivided roadway,” Johnson said. “It is going to eliminate the existing ‘S’ curve in the road. It is going to add on-street bike lanes as well as a separated shared-use path."
Johnson said reducing frequent flooding is also part of the more than $20 million plan.
“Going to raise the roadway to account for stormwater and future sea level rise,” Johnson said.
He said crews started last fall and for now, the work is happening off to the sides of the road.
“We did the tree clearing,” Johnson said. “We’ve come in, we’ve done our excavation. We are installing the roadway subbase.”
Bandido’s Burritos and Tacos is right across from the start of the construction path.
“They have already put sewer in on this side of the street,” said owner Ken Leach, who is glad to hear the plans include straightening out the road to the beach.
“It’s a good plan for the city,” Leach said. “It will widen the street and stop a lot of accidents in the curves.”
The summer season is gearing up, but Johnson said the work won’t delay traffic or move onto the road until September. He said the project should wrap up by August 2025.
Leach can’t wait to see the results.
“I think in the long run it will bring more business to the area with the bike and running path from the beach to here,” Johnson said.
Even though construction crews are focusing on the road's sides, Johnson asks drivers to keep an eye out for any signage or speed limit changes.