News and Views

The Progress Index : VDOT hosts public hearing on intersection improvements along Jefferson Davis Highway in Chester

From The Progress-Index
by Sean CW Korsgaard

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — A public hearing hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) was held last night concerning roadwork that will be done over the next few years along Jefferson Davis Highway in Chester.

If the current design is approved later this year, the project will address traffic movement and safety through the intersections with Woods Edge Road and Happy Hill Road. Improvements include upgraded traffic signals, adding turn lanes and adding sidewalks.

Project Manager Jason Zhang was quick to assuage any fears that the project might impact local businesses along the proposed route, and that the amount of required construction would be minimal.

"One of the key factors that went into the plan was to minimize the impact it would have on residents, businesses and commuters," said Zhang. "We're doing our best so construction has little to no impact on the businesses and residents dependent on this intersection.

Though local turnout was minimal to the hearing, it's notable that many of the engineers working on the proposal are themselves residents to the area, such as Scott Chapman, an Enon resident who works for VDOT Richmond.

"I must come through this intersection every day on the way to work, so no one wants a smoother commute than I do," said Chapman. "The way this plan is drawn up, we all will.

Construction is currently on pace to begin in spring of 2019, with acquisitions being handled in 2017.

Read the full story from The Progress Index. 

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