CHESAPEAKE, Va. — The Virginia Department of Transportation is looking to improve what's often a traffic headache for drivers in Chesapeake.
Wednesday evening, representatives heard from the public on planned updates to the I-64/I-464 interchange. Upgrades are still in the early phases, but VDOT officials say they know the frustration of the roadway firsthand.
"We also drive the roads," said James Ellis, the project manager.
At the moment, VDOT is in the study phase, conducting an interchange access report (IAR) required by the Federal Highway Administration.
"We’ve done some background on the project, but we also want citizens to have the opportunity, before we get deep into the project, to provide input," Ellis explained.
Multiple concepts were considered to improve the interchange, but VDOT is moving forward with what it calls the “recommended alternative.” It’s a combination of two plans officials say best address the area’s congestion. "Build 1" would widen the existing Route 17/Route 168 northbound to I-64 westbound ramp to two lanes. It would also eliminate two of the sections of the "clover leaf," by adding two new flyover ramps.
"Build 2" would also widen the above-mentioned ramp to two lanes and would eliminate one of the cloverleaf sections by adding a flyover ramp. VDOT officials told 13News Now, "The Recommended Alternative was developed based on the benefits it provides for safety, operations, impacts to right of way, environmental impacts, cost, and constructability."
Ellis said the changes will hopefully address Hampton Roads' growing population.
"We’re just making sure that our roads will be able to accommodate the commuters now and for the future," Ellis said.
Chesapeake resident David Conley lives near the interchange and attended Wednesday's meeting.
"This intersection, every single day, backs up," he told 13News Now.
He also said he's not convinced the current proposal will solve the traffic issues.
"What this is proposing is taking the main problem, the bottleneck, and pushing it down the road about a half a mile. They’re still trying to get to the exact same lanes constantly," Conley explained.
The public is invited to comment until August 3 via mail (Mr. James Ellis, VDOT Project Manager, 7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435) or email (james.ellis@vdot.virginia.gov).
VDOT hopes to wrap up the study by the winter.
