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VDOT updates I‑64 widening, Park & Ride and signal repairs; supervisors, resident raise bicycle-safety concerns
Summary
VDOT briefed the New Kent Board on Park & Ride construction, the I‑64 widening (Gaps A–C), and a corrected signal-detection issue at the 249/64 interchange. Residents and board members raised safety concerns about cyclists on county roads and the timing of a new traffic signal installation.
VDOT representatives attended the Feb. 10 Board of Supervisors meeting to update the county on several transportation projects and safety concerns.
Marshall Webb, New Kent resident administrator for VDOT, reported routine maintenance activity, snow‑preparation brining and that state crews would be on storm detail ahead of forecasted snow. Philip Frazier (VDOT) briefed the board on the Bottoms Bridge Park & Ride project, which was advertised last fall; JL Kent submitted the low bid and a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for spring.
Frazier said all three segments of the I‑64 widening (Gaps A, B and C) are now in active phases: Gap A is underway, Gap C (eastern end) is underway, and a contractor kickoff occurred for Gap B, which begins a year-long design phase before construction. He detailed a recent signal malfunction at the Route 249/64 interchange that, for about a week, failed to detect a predominant through movement and caused the signal to cycle inefficiently; VDOT technicians have corrected the detection issue.
VDOT also said it is bringing in a human-factors engineer to analyze work-zone traffic behavior on I‑64 and other district projects after a rise in multi-car crashes in the corridor.
Board members and residents raised bicycle-safety questions. Resident Ray Davis urged VDOT to study bicycle volumes on county back roads and to consider safety measures; the board asked whether federal rules require bicycle signage that allows cyclists to “use the lane.” VDOT said it would investigate the legal basis and return with information; staff noted that federal or state rules can allow cyclists to occupy a lane but VDOT would confirm.
Other local questions included the status of a new signal at Courthouse Road (Route 155 and Route 60). VDOT reported the task order remains active and the contractor has until May to complete the work; weather has delayed recent activity.
